Outliers Lesson Plan

What are the lessons of Roseto? How does life in Roseto compare to life in the United States today?

The main lesson of Roseto is that human beings need to connect with one another on an equal footing in order to achieve true health and happiness. Rosetans often visited one another, stopped on the street to chat, had strong family bonds, and attended community organizations. The egalitarian ethos of the town meant that the poor were treated with as much respect as the wealthy.

Life in the United States today is moving further and further away from the Roseto way of life. People are lonelier and more isolated than ever. Community organizations, such as churches, aren’t as...