Parker Palmer presents a forceful analysis of the evolution of the culture of freedom and individualism, the withering of community, and its consequences leading potentially to totalitarianism.

"We must begin by recognizing that our verbal homage to community is only one side of a deep ambivalence that runs through the American character - the other side of which is a celebration of unfettered individualism." "…we have lost confidence that anything beyond the self exists… The assumption that community cannot be counted upon is a self-fulfilling prophecy… We need to find the courage to assert and act upon the hope, however naïve, that community can be found, because only by acting 'as if' can we create a future fit for human habitation."

Parker's text ranges widely with sections covering 'Quest for Community', 'The Resurgence of Individualism', 'The Risk of Seeking Community', and five other focused topics. Closing with a section on 'Quakerism and Community', Parker sets this appeal: "The Society of Friends can make its greatest contribution to community by continuing to be a religious society - I mean, by centering on the practice of a corporate worship which opens itself to continuing revelation."

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