The Way We Are by Hugh Mackay

This book is written by experienced author Hugh Mackay, an Australian social researcher and psychologist.

It explores various aspects of contemporary Australian society, including its culture, values, relationships and the challenges faced by individuals and communities in the modern world.

What is the legacy of the Baby Boomer?

How many Gods do we worship now?

Mackay delves into topics such as consumerism, materialism, social isolation and the impact of technology on human connections.

Through his insightful observations and analysis, he offers reflections on the state of Australian society and encourages readers to contemplate their own lives and relationships.

Life is messy and relationships are complex, and we live in a time where there are so many variables that outcomes are uncertain and the shift in how we respond to cultural taste, gender, politics and ethnicity must be much more fluid.

This really is thought-provoking reading with varied topics; loneliness, connection (and the lack of) and the huge changes the internet and social media have brought among many other topics discussed.

I found it interesting reading about the Baby Boomers; the way they choose to live their lives and the changes they have brought to society.

The book includes some thoughts on what changes Boomers may bring to aged care as they may be starting to use it – we can only hope that the Boomers can change things for the better.

Amidst our epidemics of loneliness, anxiety and depression, highlighted by the COVID epidemic along with the impacts of entrenched poverty and ubiquitous technology, The Way We Are examines the major trends that are shaking the foundations of the Australian way of life.

This is not a subjective body of work but draws on thousands of interviews over a lifetime of research.

Hugh Mackay is a much-loved and highly-respected social psychologist and presents a compelling portrait of Australia today.

He celebrates the march towards gender equality and explains the stubborn persistence of misogyny, the anti-social consequences of social media, the complex legacy of the those who came before, and the ‘fake wisdom’ that guides too much of our thinking.

Exploring the steady decline in religious faith and practice, the author identifies the many gods we continue to worship, and points to the positive role that dreaming can play in our lives.

It is true that some of his observations may not be simple reading, but his analysis is filled with affection for our country.

Inspiring, provocative and powerfully argued, The Way We Are is the most important and uplifting book you will read all year.

It will encourage you to reflect deeply on the question: What kind of society do we want to become?

This is a great read for the inquisitive mind and for those who wrangle with puzzling questions.

Mackay’s most popular book is The Good Life.

Julie Chessman