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Australia Reimagined: Towards a More Compassionate, Less Anxious Society
'When it comes to our future, misplaced optimism is as dangerous as blind faith. What is needed is the courage to face the way things are, and the wisdom and imagination to work out how to make things better.'
Australia's unprecedented run of economic growth has failed to deliver a more stable or harmonious society. Individualism is rampant. Income inequality is growing. Public education is under-resourced. The gender revolution is stalling. We no longer trust our major institutions or our political leaders. We are more socially fragmented, more anxious, more depressed, more overweight, more medicated, deeper in debt and increasingly addicted - whether to our digital devices, drugs, pornography or 'stuff'.
Yet esteemed social researcher Hugh Mackay remains optimistic. Twenty-five years ago, he revolutionised Australian social analysis with the publication of Reinventing Australia. Now he takes another unflinching look at us and offers some compelling proposals for a more compassionate and socially cohesive Australia. You might not agree with everything he suggests, but you'll find it hard to get some of his ideas out of your head.
Argued with intelligence and passion, this book is essential reading for everyone who loves Australia enough to want to make it a better place for us all.
Australia's unprecedented run of economic growth has failed to deliver a more stable or harmonious society. Individualism is rampant. Income inequality is growing. Public education is under-resourced. The gender revolution is stalling. We no longer trust our major institutions or our political leaders. We are more socially fragmented, more anxious, more depressed, more overweight, more medicated, deeper in debt and increasingly addicted - whether to our digital devices, drugs, pornography or 'stuff'.
Yet esteemed social researcher Hugh Mackay remains optimistic. Twenty-five years ago, he revolutionised Australian social analysis with the publication of Reinventing Australia. Now he takes another unflinching look at us and offers some compelling proposals for a more compassionate and socially cohesive Australia. You might not agree with everything he suggests, but you'll find it hard to get some of his ideas out of your head.
Argued with intelligence and passion, this book is essential reading for everyone who loves Australia enough to want to make it a better place for us all.
336 pages, Paperback
Published April 24, 2018
55 people are currently reading
373 people want to read
About the author
Hugh Mackay
69 books131 followersHugh Mackay is a social researcher and novelist who has made a lifelong study of the attitudes and behaviour of Australians. He is the author of twelve books, including five bestsellers. The second edition of his latest non-fiction book, Advance Australia…Where? was published in September 2008, and his fifth novel, Ways of Escape was published in May 2009.
He is a fellow of the Australian Psychological Society and received the University of Sydney’s 2004 Alumni Award for community service. In recognition of his pioneering work in social research, Hugh has been awarded honorary doctorates by Charles Sturt, Macquarie and NSW universities.
He is a former deputy chairman of the Australia Council, a former chairman of trustees of Sydney Grammar School, and was the inaugural chairman of the ACT government’s Community Inclusion Board. He was a newspaper columnist for almost 30 years and now writes occasionally for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The West Australian. He is a frequent guest on ABC radio.
- Biography from Hugh Mackay's website
He is a fellow of the Australian Psychological Society and received the University of Sydney’s 2004 Alumni Award for community service. In recognition of his pioneering work in social research, Hugh has been awarded honorary doctorates by Charles Sturt, Macquarie and NSW universities.
He is a former deputy chairman of the Australia Council, a former chairman of trustees of Sydney Grammar School, and was the inaugural chairman of the ACT government’s Community Inclusion Board. He was a newspaper columnist for almost 30 years and now writes occasionally for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The West Australian. He is a frequent guest on ABC radio.
- Biography from Hugh Mackay's website
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
June 2, 2018
Australia Reimagined by Hugh Mackay
Have you ever read a book that seems like it would be better for a book club and discussion than worth reading just on your own? Australia Reimagined is what I imagine such a book would be. That is, a book where discussion with others would fill in a number of gaps while delivering a debate more interesting than the originating work.
Written as a proposal for change in the way Australia (as a nation) currently operates, Australia Reimagined outlines several the major social problems facing the country and what could be done about them.
Unfortunately, I found the author’s grounding for the proposals (the key problem statements) fairly weak. While some referencing does exist, it seems very light to me, and often relies on a method of ‘this high profile person said this so therefore it must be true’. That isn’t to say that the problems of inequality, casualization of the workforce, breakdown of communities etc. don’t exist. There is plenty of data and studies to support a real need for change, but they are rarely if ever used in this book and very little supporting evidence is provided for why the problems exist (at least compared to similar books). If one wishes to write about a country’s troubles and galvanise action, I suggest it poor form to expect the reader to gather their own source material just to get on board with your central premise.
From the middle of the book onward, the book does improve as it shifts more to the theoretical (which seems to be Mackay’s stronger point). However, I also believe you can find better content on the subject matter by looking at reports and other political theory/cultural analysis books. If you’re looking to stoke the fires of outrage and motivate yourself to action, I suggest this book is damp kindling at best.
2 stars.
Have you ever read a book that seems like it would be better for a book club and discussion than worth reading just on your own? Australia Reimagined is what I imagine such a book would be. That is, a book where discussion with others would fill in a number of gaps while delivering a debate more interesting than the originating work.
Written as a proposal for change in the way Australia (as a nation) currently operates, Australia Reimagined outlines several the major social problems facing the country and what could be done about them.
Unfortunately, I found the author’s grounding for the proposals (the key problem statements) fairly weak. While some referencing does exist, it seems very light to me, and often relies on a method of ‘this high profile person said this so therefore it must be true’. That isn’t to say that the problems of inequality, casualization of the workforce, breakdown of communities etc. don’t exist. There is plenty of data and studies to support a real need for change, but they are rarely if ever used in this book and very little supporting evidence is provided for why the problems exist (at least compared to similar books). If one wishes to write about a country’s troubles and galvanise action, I suggest it poor form to expect the reader to gather their own source material just to get on board with your central premise.
From the middle of the book onward, the book does improve as it shifts more to the theoretical (which seems to be Mackay’s stronger point). However, I also believe you can find better content on the subject matter by looking at reports and other political theory/cultural analysis books. If you’re looking to stoke the fires of outrage and motivate yourself to action, I suggest this book is damp kindling at best.
2 stars.
May 7, 2018
In this thought-provoking and extremely readable book, Mackay urges us to consider the state of Australia at present and to reflect upon whether we are living in a manner that is consistent with the maintenance and development of “Australian values” (whatever those might be).
If nothing else, read the list of qualities Mackay identifies in an “ideal Australia” (page 298 and following) and undertake that exercise for yourself. While you may not agree with all of those that Mackay lists, there is great value in identifying them for yourself and thinking about what contribution you make, as a citizen, towards upholding them.
If nothing else, read the list of qualities Mackay identifies in an “ideal Australia” (page 298 and following) and undertake that exercise for yourself. While you may not agree with all of those that Mackay lists, there is great value in identifying them for yourself and thinking about what contribution you make, as a citizen, towards upholding them.
November 4, 2020
There’s plenty to like about this book, although many of the issues addressed (as Mackay acknowledges) are not limited to Australia. The need for compassion and the redirection of our compulsive ‘busyness’ is almost globally essential - although there are certainly discernible shifts in behaviour since the onset of coronavirus.
The book provides a good framework from which to make comparisons to the pre-pandemic world, but Mackay’s writing is too flabby for a really compelling and urgent argument. A pity because there’s plenty to value here and many ideas that deserve both attention and action.
The book provides a good framework from which to make comparisons to the pre-pandemic world, but Mackay’s writing is too flabby for a really compelling and urgent argument. A pity because there’s plenty to value here and many ideas that deserve both attention and action.
June 21, 2018
So right, yet so wrong. I agreed with his identification of the issues that he identified, but found myself disagreeing with his proposed solutions. Mackay does the Post-Modernist trick of believing that if he can describe a problem, it somehow qualifies him to prescribe a solution. He would have done well to investigate the conservative agenda to balance the left wing agenda he promotes.
At times I think Mackay takes a romantic and myopic utopian vision of how great Australia used to be, as he joins the group of alarmist Chicken Little’s that they sky is about to fall. He also romanticizes about how good the Pre-Industrial Era was for citizens, without any acknowledgement that it was more violent and less safe for the citizens.
Once you become aware of his agenda, Mackay is predictably left wing, he then describes a tyrannical system of quotas, bribes, and torture to move things towards his vision of utopia (Stalinism). He repeatedly refers to the need for compassion, but show little for those who do not conform to his a priori held views. He occasionally sets up straw man arguments, but makes no real attempt to communicate as understanding of those he disagrees with. His discussion around marriage and child birth had misanthropic themes, especially towards successful people (they should not have so many if any children). I can only hope he never gains power, nor his ideas traction.
Whilst he states that he believes in equality of opportunity, and denies having an agenda for equality of outcome, I believe his suggestions were aimed at equality of outcome which I cannot abide by. His idea for an unelected “citizens parliament” where parliamentarians are drawn randomly like Lotto is a bit out there, and I cannot endorse or abide by this concept. We want to be lead by our best, brightest, and wisest.
I agreed that “As long as MPs are seen to represent their party rather than their electorate, and settle into politics for the long haul, the ‘political class’ inevitably becomes more detached from the society it is meant to serve, a process not helped by unseemly behaviour in the parliament that might amuse the players themselves and their devoted cheersquads, but either bores or repels the rest of us” (p 20). I have found what he identifies as a loss of trust and disinterest in the political class true in my own life. This is a big problem, but how do we make it better?
He attacks Non- Public Education and Teachers, without considering broader considerations for our falling education results (which are apparent in the rest of his writing). He makes no attempt to understand the reasons why people are leaving Public Education in droves. People want the best for their children. They will sacrifice so their children can have privileges and advantages. In the end they want to provide children with the highest quality education possible. My perception is that the needs of the many are sacrificed for the special needs of the few. Education is a privilege and I do not see the sense in throwing good money after bad.
His writing did have me questioning the admittedly left wing, but more highly libertarian values I hold. Maybe I value freedom and liberty so highly because (so far) I have made a lot of the right choices that have lead me towards success (by my own measure) and becoming better over time. In the end the right choices have been what might be described as reflecting conservative values. Libertarian by outlook, conservative by choice. I do not think that these choices should be enforced by law. I strongly believe in a social safety net – no one should starve to death in Australia, but we need a conversation as to where it is set. I believe that things are better than depicted by Mackay, I know things in the past were not worse. We do not need to “Make Australia Great Again”. It never was that great, nor is it that bad now. Things for the average citizen are improving. He would do well to read Steven Pinker’s book “Enlightenment Now”.
At times I think Mackay takes a romantic and myopic utopian vision of how great Australia used to be, as he joins the group of alarmist Chicken Little’s that they sky is about to fall. He also romanticizes about how good the Pre-Industrial Era was for citizens, without any acknowledgement that it was more violent and less safe for the citizens.
Once you become aware of his agenda, Mackay is predictably left wing, he then describes a tyrannical system of quotas, bribes, and torture to move things towards his vision of utopia (Stalinism). He repeatedly refers to the need for compassion, but show little for those who do not conform to his a priori held views. He occasionally sets up straw man arguments, but makes no real attempt to communicate as understanding of those he disagrees with. His discussion around marriage and child birth had misanthropic themes, especially towards successful people (they should not have so many if any children). I can only hope he never gains power, nor his ideas traction.
Whilst he states that he believes in equality of opportunity, and denies having an agenda for equality of outcome, I believe his suggestions were aimed at equality of outcome which I cannot abide by. His idea for an unelected “citizens parliament” where parliamentarians are drawn randomly like Lotto is a bit out there, and I cannot endorse or abide by this concept. We want to be lead by our best, brightest, and wisest.
I agreed that “As long as MPs are seen to represent their party rather than their electorate, and settle into politics for the long haul, the ‘political class’ inevitably becomes more detached from the society it is meant to serve, a process not helped by unseemly behaviour in the parliament that might amuse the players themselves and their devoted cheersquads, but either bores or repels the rest of us” (p 20). I have found what he identifies as a loss of trust and disinterest in the political class true in my own life. This is a big problem, but how do we make it better?
He attacks Non- Public Education and Teachers, without considering broader considerations for our falling education results (which are apparent in the rest of his writing). He makes no attempt to understand the reasons why people are leaving Public Education in droves. People want the best for their children. They will sacrifice so their children can have privileges and advantages. In the end they want to provide children with the highest quality education possible. My perception is that the needs of the many are sacrificed for the special needs of the few. Education is a privilege and I do not see the sense in throwing good money after bad.
His writing did have me questioning the admittedly left wing, but more highly libertarian values I hold. Maybe I value freedom and liberty so highly because (so far) I have made a lot of the right choices that have lead me towards success (by my own measure) and becoming better over time. In the end the right choices have been what might be described as reflecting conservative values. Libertarian by outlook, conservative by choice. I do not think that these choices should be enforced by law. I strongly believe in a social safety net – no one should starve to death in Australia, but we need a conversation as to where it is set. I believe that things are better than depicted by Mackay, I know things in the past were not worse. We do not need to “Make Australia Great Again”. It never was that great, nor is it that bad now. Things for the average citizen are improving. He would do well to read Steven Pinker’s book “Enlightenment Now”.
March 31, 2020
I did feel the anxieties that Mackay mentioned, and I’m very interested in the idea of a community/neighbourhood that cares about each other (I actually don’t even know my neighbours 😅).
At the same time there were a lot of social issues to get worked up about towards the end of the book that just had me frustrated, so I guess there is definitely still a lot to be done.
At the same time there were a lot of social issues to get worked up about towards the end of the book that just had me frustrated, so I guess there is definitely still a lot to be done.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2019
I have read a few of Hugh Mackay's books and generally enjoy them. I was a little disappointed in this one as I felt some of his commentary on the current state of social cohesion in Australia was more based on "feel" and general scuttlebutt, rather than considered fact.
I note for example his commentary on the Changing Patterns of Marriage and Divorce (p45). He generally expresses the current trends as a social failure. The Australian Institute of Family Studies research numbers suggests this may not be true. Even accounting for the extraordinary jump in (pent up?) divorces when No-Fault Divorce was introduced in the mid-1970's, divorce rates have been in steady decline since - particularly since 2000. While it is true that about one-third of all marriages may end in divorce, this may not be inconsistent with historical trends, and may, in fact, result in better social outcomes as couples leave irreconcilable differences.
Mackay also addresses what he describes as the Me culture (p56). While we older Australians may find the extensive use of social media and tattoo fashions a little bewildering, and possibly irritating, Mackay offers no hard data to support his view that these activities may lead to depression, drug abuse and obesity in young people.
On the other hand - he has not been afraid to call out hypocrisies and hubris around (so called) Aussie Values (p287).
All in all, the book is worth reading and should cause the reader to more deeply consider the current state of Australia's society.
I note for example his commentary on the Changing Patterns of Marriage and Divorce (p45). He generally expresses the current trends as a social failure. The Australian Institute of Family Studies research numbers suggests this may not be true. Even accounting for the extraordinary jump in (pent up?) divorces when No-Fault Divorce was introduced in the mid-1970's, divorce rates have been in steady decline since - particularly since 2000. While it is true that about one-third of all marriages may end in divorce, this may not be inconsistent with historical trends, and may, in fact, result in better social outcomes as couples leave irreconcilable differences.
Mackay also addresses what he describes as the Me culture (p56). While we older Australians may find the extensive use of social media and tattoo fashions a little bewildering, and possibly irritating, Mackay offers no hard data to support his view that these activities may lead to depression, drug abuse and obesity in young people.
On the other hand - he has not been afraid to call out hypocrisies and hubris around (so called) Aussie Values (p287).
All in all, the book is worth reading and should cause the reader to more deeply consider the current state of Australia's society.
July 29, 2018
Some of us have been following the work of Hugh Mackay, and his social research team, for a number of years. I always find his work interesting. One, because much of his research is based on interviewing people like you and me. Two, because I often find myself going, “yes, I often noticed or wondered about that too,” as I read on.
He looks at politics, education, religion, gender and much more besides.
Will we like some of the contents of these pages? Yes. Will we find other aspects hard to swallow? Yes. Will we agree with all of his interpretations and conclusions? No, not all. But some, yes indeed. No wonder. For, holding a mirror up to our society reveals a reflection of some of the beauties and the blemishes.
He hopes for a less anxious and a more considerate, courteous and compassion society. That gives me hope.
He looks at politics, education, religion, gender and much more besides.
Will we like some of the contents of these pages? Yes. Will we find other aspects hard to swallow? Yes. Will we agree with all of his interpretations and conclusions? No, not all. But some, yes indeed. No wonder. For, holding a mirror up to our society reveals a reflection of some of the beauties and the blemishes.
He hopes for a less anxious and a more considerate, courteous and compassion society. That gives me hope.
January 15, 2025
This opinion piece, extended to book length, purports to outline major social problems facing the country and what could be done about them. The social research appears to consist of comments on social cohesion made by well-known "personalities", rather than considered fact or independent research. The second half of the book sets out theories that appear to have a more solid basis. The book started to lose me with it's "superior" tone early in the piece when an analogy about 'herd' was used to suggest people could join the 'herd at the food court'. I finished it, but was never really convinced by the analysis or proposed solutions. Anyone interested in the topic might spend their time more productively by reading a selection of short opinion pieces or listening to podcasts on the topic.
November 6, 2018
For the most part this book was an interesting read, however the author lost me at chapter 6: Gender wars. I found the author’s voice of reason on the pathway to peace to be mere patriarchal commentary.
March 19, 2020
I have just finished reading “Australia Reimagined - towards a more compassionate, less anxious society” by Hugh Mackay
This is a great read. “Australia Reimagined” is Hugh Mackay’s follow up book to his ground breaking and acclaimed book “Reinventing Australia” written around 25 years ago.
Hugh Mackay has an incredible of way of putting into words the pulse of our country.
In the unprecedented challenge we have faced as a country in 2020, especially with the heightened health concerns of the impact of COVID-19 we have witnessed the best and worst of human behaviour.
“Australia Reimagined - towards a more compassionate, less anxious society” is a book for our current times. Hugh Mackay outlines how we as a country can become a more compassionate, less anxious society. This is needed more than ever today.
“But our chief resource is not uniquely Australian at all: it’s our common humanity. That’s what will finally assert itself in response to further threats to our social cohesion; that’s what will pull us back from the brink of a mad world where we would put more faith in devices and algorithms than each other: that’s what will ensure that the communities we rely on to sustain and nurture us - and keep us sane - will never fragment into meaninglessness” - Hugh Mackay
Telling words for 2020 when this book was written in 2018, two years before the current and pressing issues we face now.
My hope is from the current situation we find our ourselves in which is in many ways completely out of our control that we indeed would become a more compassionate, less anxious society. That we would see our common humanity and reach out to our fellow humans who are doing it tough and who need our help and support. After all we are all in this together.
“Be The Change You Want to See In The World”
This week is Harmony Week
Harmony Week celebrates Australia’s cultural diversity. It’s about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone.
Cultural diversity is one of the best things about Australia.
www.harmony.gov.au
On the last Sunday in March is Neighbour Day
Neighbour Day is Australia’s annual celebration of community, encouraging people to connect with those who live in their neighbourhood.
Whether through a cuppa, a picnic in the park, or a message of support; Neighbour Day is the perfect opportunity to say thanks for being a great neighbour and for being there to lend a hand.
The principal aim of Neighbour Day is to build better relationships with the people who live around us, especially the elderly and vulnerable. Neighbours are important because good relationships with others can transform communities. Social connection also makes us feel better as it helps prevent loneliness, isolation and depression.
The theme for Neighbour Day 2020 is Social Connection.
Encouraging social connection is the essence of Neighbour Day every day. During our 2020 campaign, Neighbour Day will be actively encouraging Australians to realise the social, emotional and mental benefits of connecting with others, and joining and taking part in social groups.
www.neighourday.org
Social connection is needed now more than ever.
In “Australia Reimagined” Hugh Mackay says that real change begins on your street. This is the litmus test of if we are a more compassionate society.
This is a great read. “Australia Reimagined” is Hugh Mackay’s follow up book to his ground breaking and acclaimed book “Reinventing Australia” written around 25 years ago.
Hugh Mackay has an incredible of way of putting into words the pulse of our country.
In the unprecedented challenge we have faced as a country in 2020, especially with the heightened health concerns of the impact of COVID-19 we have witnessed the best and worst of human behaviour.
“Australia Reimagined - towards a more compassionate, less anxious society” is a book for our current times. Hugh Mackay outlines how we as a country can become a more compassionate, less anxious society. This is needed more than ever today.
“But our chief resource is not uniquely Australian at all: it’s our common humanity. That’s what will finally assert itself in response to further threats to our social cohesion; that’s what will pull us back from the brink of a mad world where we would put more faith in devices and algorithms than each other: that’s what will ensure that the communities we rely on to sustain and nurture us - and keep us sane - will never fragment into meaninglessness” - Hugh Mackay
Telling words for 2020 when this book was written in 2018, two years before the current and pressing issues we face now.
My hope is from the current situation we find our ourselves in which is in many ways completely out of our control that we indeed would become a more compassionate, less anxious society. That we would see our common humanity and reach out to our fellow humans who are doing it tough and who need our help and support. After all we are all in this together.
“Be The Change You Want to See In The World”
This week is Harmony Week
Harmony Week celebrates Australia’s cultural diversity. It’s about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone.
Cultural diversity is one of the best things about Australia.
www.harmony.gov.au
On the last Sunday in March is Neighbour Day
Neighbour Day is Australia’s annual celebration of community, encouraging people to connect with those who live in their neighbourhood.
Whether through a cuppa, a picnic in the park, or a message of support; Neighbour Day is the perfect opportunity to say thanks for being a great neighbour and for being there to lend a hand.
The principal aim of Neighbour Day is to build better relationships with the people who live around us, especially the elderly and vulnerable. Neighbours are important because good relationships with others can transform communities. Social connection also makes us feel better as it helps prevent loneliness, isolation and depression.
The theme for Neighbour Day 2020 is Social Connection.
Encouraging social connection is the essence of Neighbour Day every day. During our 2020 campaign, Neighbour Day will be actively encouraging Australians to realise the social, emotional and mental benefits of connecting with others, and joining and taking part in social groups.
www.neighourday.org
Social connection is needed now more than ever.
In “Australia Reimagined” Hugh Mackay says that real change begins on your street. This is the litmus test of if we are a more compassionate society.
October 28, 2018
Australia Reimagined helps shed light on the many ways we as individuals can foster a life rich with the rewards of living in vibrant and inclusive communities. Mackay's book explains why NAPLAN is in conflict with quality education and what we can expect from individualised world-class education. It puts our current values on the table and forces us to reflect on the changes we can make to realise the long-held aspirations of any civil society. Mackay's book demonstrates the relevance of religion in civil society. It explains how reforming parliament can strengthen democracy and better serve individuals. His writing explains how gender quotas can engender change benefitting all Australians. What I take most from Reimagining Australia is the importance of increasing equity offered to all Australians, whether they are asylum seekers or our first people.
'The real purpose of education is to teach children the knowledge, and skills they need, including numeracy and literacy, to live the fullest, most satisfying life they are capable of living -- intellectually, creatively, morally, emotionally, vocationally and socially.'
- H Mackay, 2018
'The real purpose of education is to teach children the knowledge, and skills they need, including numeracy and literacy, to live the fullest, most satisfying life they are capable of living -- intellectually, creatively, morally, emotionally, vocationally and socially.'
- H Mackay, 2018
December 19, 2018
There was a lot to take away from Mackay’s latest work. It’s generally a very positive and hopeful book and I wholeheartedly agree with almost everything he has to say. He stressed the importance of social capital and diversity to social cohesion and argues that we need to stop relying on our leaders for answers and action, but rather take back the control and responsibility as individuals who can make a difference in our lives and those around us. He also makes important points regarding the need to reimagine our political, religious and educational systems/institutions.
My only issue with his argument comes during his discussion of education and teachers in particular. Mackay wants to put the onus back on teachers and developing higher standards of teaching, including cutting back on teachers’ holidays so they can be involved in further professional development. I’m not sure that Mackay fully appreciates what teachers already do and any discussion needs also to include the need for teachers to be paid on an equal level with other vital professions (eg. doctors).
My only issue with his argument comes during his discussion of education and teachers in particular. Mackay wants to put the onus back on teachers and developing higher standards of teaching, including cutting back on teachers’ holidays so they can be involved in further professional development. I’m not sure that Mackay fully appreciates what teachers already do and any discussion needs also to include the need for teachers to be paid on an equal level with other vital professions (eg. doctors).
May 23, 2018
As expected, Hugh Mackay pulls together lots of information and analysis from multiple sources to inform a comprehensive 'state of our nation' review. For example, he discusses the perils of the 'busyness' syndrome (a modern malaise which threatens to consume us all) and the inequity of government providing funding for wealthy private schools. He bemoans the waning sense of community in our cities and the plight of refugees and migrants. And on it goes.
Many of his findings would be common knowledge for an informed educated person. But what Hugh Mackay does, and with great aptitude, is to collate our collective wisdom into a readable format.
As a result, you may find yourself either nodding in agreement or your blood pressure shooting off the scale. Tackle this book with an open mind. It will certainly generate some reaction.
Many of his findings would be common knowledge for an informed educated person. But what Hugh Mackay does, and with great aptitude, is to collate our collective wisdom into a readable format.
As a result, you may find yourself either nodding in agreement or your blood pressure shooting off the scale. Tackle this book with an open mind. It will certainly generate some reaction.
January 17, 2021
I just couldn’t shake the feeling that I was reading an elongated buzzfeed article co-authored by my year 8 English teacher and my gfs lefty grandma.
I think most of the points Mackay makes are reasonable, but they’re also not particularly focussed on Australia (rather being issues that plague the world / developed nations) and are often vague and poorly referenced. It comes off as pure opinion in some parts.
I walked away unconvinced on some points, and feeling that I had learnt very little. I thought the highlight of the book was the chapter on education. If the rest of the book was as Australia-centric and well put out / referenced it would’ve been a lot more enjoyable and educational.
Also who knew that Turnbull was a skilled horse rider? Another factual gem within.
I think most of the points Mackay makes are reasonable, but they’re also not particularly focussed on Australia (rather being issues that plague the world / developed nations) and are often vague and poorly referenced. It comes off as pure opinion in some parts.
I walked away unconvinced on some points, and feeling that I had learnt very little. I thought the highlight of the book was the chapter on education. If the rest of the book was as Australia-centric and well put out / referenced it would’ve been a lot more enjoyable and educational.
Also who knew that Turnbull was a skilled horse rider? Another factual gem within.
March 29, 2019
Unfortunately I found this book to be one big exaggeration, an opinion piece with very little evidence. There wasn’t a single footnote or clear reference to research. Some numbers were quoted, but they were sparse. The author chooses to say: “the biggest problem...” “the deepest wound...” “the most upsetting fact...”. These are hyperbolies and they have no place in this sort of literature. I enjoyed the ideas, but I couldn’t take them seriously and engage as they were not presented in a robust intellectual manner, but reminded me of a rant, a rant from a disappointed man clutching at straws.
January 1, 2026
Having read Mackay's Reinventing Australia, this book is more like an update or sequel, as it has a similar, holistic approach. There is a greater focus on politics and institutional structures, which I greatly appreciate while looking at the way our attitudes are shaped by these and vice versa.
Mackay provides simple yet practical solutions to changing how we think of the dramatic and often negative changes in society. However, this is not without a healthy dose of optimism (and a few jokes!). It is easy to feel disillusioned by the way the world is now; but through looking at the way we do feel compassion for others, there is some hope.
Mackay provides simple yet practical solutions to changing how we think of the dramatic and often negative changes in society. However, this is not without a healthy dose of optimism (and a few jokes!). It is easy to feel disillusioned by the way the world is now; but through looking at the way we do feel compassion for others, there is some hope.
July 18, 2018
Hugh Mackay has provided a great social commentary on the issues currently facing Australia. I found myself agreeing with most of his observations. Overall, this is an optimistic book as he imagines an Australia that is more connected, empathetic, respectful and has a heart for social justice. My favourite point of his from the book is that our identity is linked to the groups we belong to, we shrivel up if we don’t engage in the lives and pain of those around us. Thanks to my friend who loaned me the book. I’m going to buy my own copy now!
May 30, 2022
A balanced and comprehensive look at the state of Australian society and the problems we face. I liked that Hugh Mackay delved into a variety of areas, and kept a fairly optimistic perspective, providing ideas for solutions, rather than falling into the trap of straight cynicism. It felt well researched and while not all will agree with every point, it remains an important addition to the debates about our country today.
July 23, 2018
A mature voice drawing on decades of experience to provide insight into the current condition of Australian society and suggestions of how we can improve our lot. Two things that stuck with me are the focus on participating in your local community and the list at the end of the book on what values an ideal Australia might share.
March 26, 2019
Wonderful wisdom from a wonderful mind. A manifesto on the importance of social connection for the health and well being of both individuals and society. With interesting and in depth looks at policy issues such as gender, religion, politics, public education, democracy, technological change and mental health. A must read for all Australians pondering what kind of society do we want to build?
January 25, 2020
This is an extremely well written book with ideas and concepts that come from a highly intelligent man. I loved the ideas and concepts but found it hard going at times. Someone else suggested it as a great book club book. It would be a perfect group or discussion book but I found it a bit hard work.
May 6, 2021
I quite enjoyed this. His perspective as a firmly progressive and highly respected psychologist and social researcher is valuable. I think he's mistaken about feminism and religion but those are minor issues in light of everything else he does well.
January 31, 2022
I enjoyed reading about Australian society as the book contained many ideas and was thought provoking. Hugh Mackay writes clearly and persuasively and explains why there is an epidemic of anxiety and challenges the reader to understand the necessity for more compassion in our society.
April 10, 2022
DNF this guy. I got up to the bit where he has decided audio books are not the go if multitasking all the while I was multitasking listening along.That and I found the the sex analogy in poor taste in this context.
May 12, 2018
Am I drinking from the cool aid ? I agreed with so much of this book. Maybe it’s my age, maybe I just want us to slough off some of the nastiness we see in the press, the selfishness of “individualism” as Mackay calls it, and the fear I hear from those brainwashed by the Alan Jones’s of Australian talkback. Is some of this too simplistic? Great ideas to get back to what is important.
June 24, 2018
Thought provoking enough to be made compulsory reading for anyone wondering where Australia is heading? That may be everyone.
August 30, 2018
Informative without being dry and laborious. A strong yet fair voice, providing a multitude of perspectives to question. Compulsory reading for anyone who calls themselves 'Australian'.
February 22, 2021
Well worth a read for any open-minded, thinking person
July 1, 2021
I particularly liked reading about his ideas about politics, his view on education funding and his call for compassion toward asylum seekers.
July 12, 2023
Lots of avenues for discussion here. I agreed with MacKay about most things and found it a bit platitudinous.
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