Retired NIC instructor gives lecture on ‘Lost Connections’

Former NIC faculty member gave a presentation on Johann Hari’s “Lost Connections” as part of the Cardinal Reads Roundtable on Oct. 10. “Lost Connections: Exploring Depression in Society” examines the biological and social causes of depression in terms of human needs.

Pat Lippert began teaching at NIC in 1990 as an instructor in Philosophy and retired in 2016 after 26 years as an instructor.

Former philosophy instructor Pat Lippert talks to students and staff of NIC about the Common Read “Lost Connections” by Johann Hari. Photo by Kaya Sedlmayer. 

In conjunction with the common read, Lippert discussed how Hari’s thesis ties in with Sebastian Junger’s ideas about veterans re-entering society post-war in “Tribe.” The Cardinal Read falls in with the common theme of cultural identity and explores the ways in which tribal societies can be learned from in terms of belonging.

“This book basically talks about the nature of society in general,” Lippert said. “The one they’re trying to get back into.”

Lippert explained that the loss of connections that fulfill social needs cause depression. He said that veterans returning from war must deal with trauma as well as a lack of the social connections they had prior to coming back.

“I think pretty much everyone recognizes that our society doesn’t have enough belonging,” said Caleb Lynch, a student currently studying for his general associate’s. “I definitely look at Sebastian Junger’s book as kind of stating the obvious and presenting his theory on how to solve it.”

Lippert showed the audience clips of Johann Hari discussing the studies he conducted in order to understand the causes of depression.

“What he’s basically saying is that depression is the pain of lost connection,” he explained after one clip. “These needs are not met.”

Visit Molstead library to learn more about Common Reads and Rountable events.