Dedicated : The Case for Commitment in an Age of Infinite Browsing

A profoundly inspiring and transformative argument that purposeful commitment and civil engagement can be a powerful force in today’s age of restlessness and indecision. Most of us have had this experience: browsing through countless options on Netflix, unable to commit to watching any given movie—and losing so much time skimming reviews and considering trailers that it’s too late to watch anything at all. In a book inspired by an idea first articulated in a viral commencement address, Pete Davis argues that this is the defining characteristic of the moment: keeping our options open. We are stuck in “Infinite Browsing Mode”—swiping through endless dating profiles without committing to a single partner, jumping from place to place searching for the next big thing, and refusing to make any decision that might close us off from an even better choice we imagine is just around the corner. This culture of restlessness and indecision, Davis argues, is causing tension in the lives of young people today: We want to keep our options open, and yet we yearn for the purpose, community, and depth that can only come from making deep commitments. In Dedicated, Davis examines this quagmire, as well as the counterculture of committers who have made it to the other side. He shares what we can learn from the “long-haul heroes” who courageously commit themselves to particular places, professions, and causes—who relinquish the false freedom of an open future in exchange for the deep fulfillment of true dedication. Weaving together examples from history, personal stories, and applied psychology, Davis’s “insightful without being preachy...guide to commitment should be on everyone’s reading list” (Booklist, starred review). A profoundly inspiring and transformative argument that purposeful commitment and civic engagement can be a powerful force in today's age of restlessness and indecision. Most of us have had this experience: browsing through countless options on Netflix, unable to commit to watching any given movie—and losing so much time skimming reviews and considering trailers that it's too late to watch anything at all. In a book inspired by an idea first articulated in a viral commencement address, Pete Davis argues that this is the defining characteristic of the moment: keeping our options open. We are stuck in "Infinite Browsing Mode"—swiping through endless dating profiles without committing to a single partner, jumping from place to place searching for the next big thing, and refusing to make any decision that might close us off from an even better choice we imagine is just around the corner. This culture of restlessness and indecision, Davis argues, is causing tension in the lives of young people today: We want to keep our options open, and yet we yearn for the purpose, community, and depth that can only come from making deep commitments. In Dedicated , Davis examines this quagmire, as well as the counterculture of committers who have made it to the other side. He shares what we can learn from the "long-haul heroes" who courageously commit themselves to particular places, professions, and causes—who relinquish the false freedom of an open future in exchange for the deep fulfillment of true dedication. Weaving together examples from history, personal stories, and applied psychology, Davis's "insightful without being preachy...guide to commitment should be on everyone's reading list" ( Booklist , starred review). "A profoundly inspiring and transformative argument that purposeful commitment can be a powerful force in our age of restlessness and indecision. Most of us have had this experience: browsing through countless options on Netflix, unable to commit to watching any given movie--and losing so much time skimming reviews and considering trailers that it's too late to watch anything at all. In a book borne of an idea first articulated in a viral commencement address, Pete Davis argues that this is the defining characteristic of the moment: keeping our options open. We are stuck in "Infinite Browsing Mode"--Swiping through endless dating profiles without committing to a single partner, jumping from place to place searching for the next big thing, and refusing to make any decision that might close us off from an even better choice we imagine is just around the corner. This culture of restlessness and indecision, Davis argues, is causing tension in the lives of young people today: We want to keep our options open, and yet we yearn for the purpose, community, and depth that can only come from making deep commitments. In Dedicated, Davis examines this quagmire, as well as the counterculture of committers who have made it to the other side. He shares what we can learn from the "long-haul heroes" who courageously commit themselves to particular places, professions, and causes--who relinquish the false freedom of an open future in exchange for the deep fulfillment of true dedication. Weaving together examples from history, personal stories, and applied psychology, Davis's candid and humble words offer a meaningful answer to our modern frustrations and a practical path to joy." -- Provided by publisher We browse through countless options on Netflix, unable to commit to watching any given movie--and losing time skimming reviews and considering trailers. Davis argues that this is the defining characteristic of the moment: keeping our options open. And this culture of restlessness and indecision is causing tension in the lives of young people today: We want to keep our options open, and yet we yearn for the purpose, community, and depth that can only come from making deep commitments. Weaving together examples from history, personal stories, and applied psychology, Davis offers a meaningful answer to our modern frustrations and a practical path to joy. -- adapted from jacket We browse through countless options on Netflix, unable to commit to watching any given movie-- and losing time skimming reviews and considering trailers. Davis argues that this is the defining characteristic of the moment: keeping our options open. And this culture of restlessness and indecision is causing tension in the lives of young people today: We want to keep our options open, and yet we yearn for the purpose, community, and depth that can only come from making deep commitments. Weaving together examples from history, personal stories, and applied psychology, Davis offers a meaningful answer to our modern frustrations and a practical path to joy In a book borne of an idea first articulated in a viral commencement address, Pete Davis argues browsing through countless options, unable to commit, and losing so much time is the defining characteristic keeping our options open. We are stuck in "Infinite Browsing Mode" - searching for the next big thing, and refusing to make any decision that might close us off from an even better choice. Weaving together examples from history, personal stories, and applied psychology, Davis's candid and humble words offer a meaningful answer to our modern frustrations and a practical path to joy. Print run 150,000 In A Culture Of Restlessness And Indecision, Which Causes Tension In People's Lives, A Civic Advocate, Using Examples From History, Personal Stories, And Applied Psychology, Shows How Purposeful Commitment Can Be A Powerful Force.