SKU: 58233526502

The Social Paradox: Autonomy, Connection, and Why We Need Both to Find Happiness

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The Social Paradox: Autonomy, Connection, and Why We Need Both to Find HappinessA Next Big Idea Club Must Read of February 2025 "Von Hippel presents a radically new way to understand why human happiness has diminished. What's more, he offers superlative advice for how to get back on track." Sonja Lyubomirsky, New York Times bestselling author of The How of Happiness From the author of The Social Leap comes this thought provoking exploration into humans' two core evolutionary needs, for connection and autonomy, how the modern

A Next Big Idea Club Must Read of February 2025

"Von Hippel presents a radically new way to understand why human happiness has diminished. What's more, he offers superlative advice for how to get back on track." --Sonja Lyubomirsky, New York Times bestselling author of The How of Happiness

From the author of The Social Leap comes this thought-provoking exploration into humans' two core evolutionary needs, for connection and autonomy, how the modern world has thrown them out of whack, and how we can rebalance them to improve our lives.

Why do people who have so much--leading comfortable lives filled with unprecedented freedom, choice, and abundance--often feel so unhappy and unfulfilled? This phenomenon is a defining paradox of our time and one we endlessly seek to solve. In The Social Paradox, psychologist William von Hippel argues that we need to think about this problem in a new way. By changing our perspective, we might finally see the solution, bringing us greater happiness and more satisfying relationships.

The key is to understand the interplay between our two most basic psychological needs--for connection and autonomy. Evolution made us dependent on one another for survival, instilling in us a strong need to connect. It also made us seek autonomy, so our ancestors could distinguish themselves within their groups, improving their chances to procreate and gain status.

These two opposing needs are our most fundamental psychological drivers, and while our lives once ensured a happy balance between them, the opportunities of today's world have thrown it out of whack. As von Hippel explains, our modern world no longer demands connection but it provides endless opportunity for autonomy; this lopsidedness lies at the root of many of our most intractable problems. Recognizing this imbalance and working to counter it can drastically change how we make decisions, spend our time, and find happiness.

The Social Paradox invites us to examine the fundamental building blocks of life and society--politics, religion, urban living, marriage--in a brand-new way. Once we understand the evolutionary forces driving us, we can begin to see how to counteract the emptiness and loneliness of contemporary life.

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SKU: 58233526502

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4.8 ★★★★★
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Marty Mills
Birmingham, US
★★★★★ 5
Instantly Loved by my Mini Aussie!
I wondered how long before my sharp-toothed mini-Aussie completely destroyed this cute duck toy. It was a Christmas present that he loved instantly. He plays with it everyday and it hasn't shown any tears or loose threads as he has destroyed other supposedly "tough" toys. Was happy the "quack" is audible but not annoying. Perfect. In a short time it became his favorite toy.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on January 13, 2026
J
Verified Purchase
Jenny
Dallas, US
★★★★★ 5
Cute fun toy
Style: Squirrel, Style: Squirrel
My pup doesn’t play with toys, she’s food driven but she absolutely loves this. The plush squirrels are just toys, but she goes after them like they’re treats. She chews and tosses them around once she gets one out. They haven’t torn, and it’s been a week so far. The quality of the tree and plush toys are higher than other burrow toys she has. It comes with 4 which is better than the typical 3. She’s small and though it doesn’t seem to be more difficult because the toys are bigger, she’s satisfied after getting only 2 out. Worth the little extra money.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 3, 2026
R
Verified Purchase
rj
Omaha, US
★★★★★ 5
My dogs love this toy!
Style: Rabbit
My small dogs Love this toy. They each bring me bunnies all day long. One bunny already has a little tear in it but easy to stitch. I'll see how long the toy lasts. So far it keeps them happy & busy.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 25, 2026
M
Verified Purchase
Mouse in Virginia
Louisville, US
★★★★★ 5
Sturdy, cute and practical.
Style: Squirrel
These are so cute and practical. I have 2 mini schnauzer puppies and they are addicted to this play. It comes with 5 squirrels. They dig and smush into the holes in the tree to get the squirrels out. I throw them around and they play and then I put all the squirrels back in the tree. Again, they go right back to the process of smushing and digging around to get them back out. ALL the squirrels squeak! Excellent item, very sturdy tree and the squirrels can withstand quite a bit of aggressive play. (I've had to sew them a couple times)
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Reviewed in the United States on February 5, 2026
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Verified Purchase
RileymoNJ
Birmingham, US
★★★★★ 4
Durable and adorable
Style: Turtle
Big dogs need love too. My boy is a Lab/Pyrenees mix and he carries his babies around everywhere. He is so gentle with them. He loves to get them out of their house, and keeps him busy mentally and physically. They are definitely indoor toys, but I would highly recommend these if you have a fur baby that gets a favorite toy and cares for the special toys for a long time. The only down side is the external stuffed “house” rips apart so we are left with the little bunnies, squirrels and turtles without their homes.
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Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2024

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