America has romanticized a John Wayne paradigm of heroic loneliness for decades if not centuries—and it's killing us.

The article examines the issue of loneliness in America, highlighting it as a significant public health concern declared an epidemic by U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy. It discusses the historical context of American individualism and its potential role in fostering isolation, referencing Alexis de Tocqueville's observations on the effects of democracy on community ties. The piece also explores how loneliness is reflected in American art and culture, from the Hudson River School to contemporary television shows, while emphasizing the need for a renewed focus on community and mental health. The article suggests that understanding the dynamics of connection and alienation may provide insights into addressing the loneliness epidemic. [Extracted from the article]