On Belonging: Finding Connection in an Age of Isolation is an exploration of the crisis of social isolation, and of the fundamental human need to belong.
The book considers belonging across four core dimensions: in our relationships with other people, in our rootedness in nature, in our ability to influence political and economic decision-making, and in our finding of meaning and purpose in our lives, with lessons on how to create communities centered on human connection.
“Drawing on a stunning array of conversations, Samuel has written an important book that shows a path to a more connected future.”
— Mary Jordan
Pulitzer Prize winner and Washington Post correspondent
“Find inspiration and even hope right here!”
— Annie Lennox
singer-songwriter and global feminist activist
“This compassionate journalistic treatise on building more inclusive communities hits the mark.”
— Publishers Weekly
Our Right to Belong
“In this important book, Kim Samuel explores how we can find greater emotional, intellectual, ecological, and spiritual connectedness. There’s no human being alive who does not have a wealth of gifts to give. On Belonging shows how we can help every person know their worth and share what they have to give. It reveals how we can realize our right to belong.”
— Graça Machel
founder Graça Machel Trust and former First Lady of South Africa and Mozambique
A More Inclusive Future
“How do we overcome the division and despair that threaten to consume us? Kim Samuel offers a powerful answer: We need to build experiences and institutions of belonging. In this timely, warm, and persuasive book, she shares stories and solutions for reclaiming common purpose and authentic connection. On Belonging is essential reading for anyone who wants to imagine and build a more inclusive future.”
— Timothy Shriver
chairman of Special Olympics and cofounder of CASEL
The Need to Belong Feels More Important Than Ever
“As we step gently together toward a future that contains a great deal of uncertainty - from the climate crisis, to the ever-changing political landscape - the need to belong feels more important than ever. In this book, Kim Samuel brings together interviews with an incredible group of humans, all coming from different places but who collectively strive to come together in meaningful ways.”
— Kluane Adamek
Yukon Regional Chief, Assembly of First Nations, Canada
The Keys to Happiness are not Ego-Driven
“Kim Samuel has dedicated her entire life to ending isolation. Now with her lucidly written new book, On Belonging, she is showing the world that the keys to happiness are not ego-driven isolation or artificially imposed divisions, but mutuality, reciprocity, and relationships. On Belonging is a book urgently needed to heal the wounds caused by isolation and separation. Either we swim together or we sink together. Kim Samuel’s voice is a voice of wisdom, love, and compassion, and this is one of the most important and timely books of the year.”
— Satish Kumar
editor emeritus, Resurgence & Ecologist