Habits of the Heart: Individualism and Commitment in American Life

Habits of the Heart: Individualism and Commitment in American Life is a 1985 book by Robert Neelly Bellah and colleagues. It explores the tension between individualism and the need for commitment in American society. The book argues that while American culture emphasizes individual freedom and self-reliance, this can lead to a decline in social bonds and a sense of alienation.123

Bellah and his co-authors examine how different forms of individualism, from the pursuit of personal happiness to the emphasis on individual rights, shape American life. They suggest that a strong sense of community and shared values is essential for a healthy society, and that a balance must be struck between individual autonomy and social commitment. The work critiques a perceived rise in self-centeredness and a weakening of traditional institutions, suggesting that a renewed focus on civic virtue and collective responsibility is needed.23