The Lost Art of Intimacy: Steven Mintz on Modern Relationships
Explore the evolution of human connection with Steven Mintz as he discusses the lost art of intimacy and the social history of modern relationships.
Best quote from The Lost Art of Intimacy: Steven Mintz on Modern Relationships
We’ve taught people how to avoid doing harm, which is essential, but we haven't taught them how to create interest, trust, or intimacy. We’ve given them the 'dos and don'ts' of hookup culture, but we haven't given them the 'how' of human connection.
This audio lesson was created by a BeFreed community member
https://stevenmintz.substack.com/p/the-lost-art-of-intimacy
Frequently Asked Questions
In this discussion, Steven Mintz explores how modern relationships have shifted away from deep emotional intimacy due to changing social structures and digital distractions. He examines the social history of human connection to explain why many people feel more isolated today despite being more connected than ever. The conversation highlights the psychological shifts required to reclaim meaningful, long-term bonds in a fast-paced world.
Steven Mintz uses his expertise in social history to provide context on how cultural norms regarding romance, friendship, and family have evolved over centuries. By understanding these historical shifts, we can better identify the unique challenges facing modern relationships today. This perspective helps listeners see that our current struggles with emotional intimacy are often the result of broader societal changes rather than individual failures.
The psychology of intimacy involves the ability to be vulnerable and authentic with others, a skill that Steven Mintz suggests is declining in the modern era. The discussion covers how fear of rejection and the curated nature of social media can hinder true human connection. By focusing on these psychological barriers, Mintz provides insights into how individuals can foster deeper emotional ties and improve the quality of their personal lives.
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From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
