Keen On

Published on the eve of you-know-who’s second inauguration, Kurt Gray’s new book Outraged focuses on why Americans are so divided and how they might find common ground despite their political differences. Gray argues that both sides of the political spectrum are driven by a desire to protect themselves, their families, and their vision of America from perceived threats. He suggests that humans evolved not just as predators but as prey, making us naturally attuned to threats and vulnerability. This perspective helps explain why different groups feel victimized and outraged by their political opponents. Rather than focusing on facts, which are often disputed, Gray advocates in favor of storytelling and listening as ways to bridge political divides. He emphasizes that most Americans belong to an "exhausted majority" who simply want to live their lives peacefully. Maybe. But then is there a danger that in arguing all communities as driven by the same emotions, Gray is relativizing morality and perhaps even excusi