In their revised and expanded work, bestselling author Gaylin and co-author Jennings offer a penetrating analysis of America's entrenched addiction to individualism, delving into the complex intersections of personal autonomy and social obligation. They contend that while contemporary culture exalts autonomy as driven by rationality, the reality is that human behavior is often more influenced by emotions than logic. This edition features updated examples and illustrations, as well as new chapters exploring topics like end-of-life decisions and physician-assisted suicide, underscoring the authors' argument that society not only has the right but the duty to employ persuasive measures for the collective well-being. In a call to action, Gaylin and Jennings suggest that such "coercions" are essential for nurturing a mature and compassionate society where individuals are attuned to the needs of their neighbors, particularly in times of crisis.