Some Counter-Intuitive Facts about Loneliness.

Sometimes people ask, "If you had to pick just one thing, what would be the one secret to a happy life?" The answer is clear: strong bonds with other people. If I had to pick one thing, that's it. The wisdom of the ages and the current scientific studies agree on this point.

On that subject, I just finished a fascinating book by John Cacioppo and William Patrick, Loneliness: Human Nature and the Need for Social Connection. The book underscores the conclusion that few things will challenge...