Rebuilding Connection in a World Designed to Divide Us
A hopeful exploration of how the places, systems and technologies around us shape our ability to trust — and what we can do to build a more connected, resilient society.
A simple question. A revealing answer.
Your answer to this question says a lot about you: It predicts your happiness, the health of your community, and even the stability of your country. Trust in other people is integral to the good life. But social trust has plummeted in the U.S. and many other parts of the world.
Our homes, neighbourhoods, cities and digital spaces are often designed in ways that isolate and divide us. From social media algorithms to urban design and political systems, many of the structures around us reward isolation and division over connection — with real consequences for our happiness, health and democracy.
In The Trust Experiments, Charles Montgomery takes us to communities around the world — from the baugruppen of Germany to his own urban village in Vancouver — to show how everyday environments can be redesigned to bring people together. He introduces digital activists who are using AI to bridge political divides. And he shows how designers and ordinary citizens are finding practical ways to create environments that help rebuild the trusting connections that make us strong.
Right now, people are redesigning their world for trust.
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In a time of unprecedented loneliness and disconnection, we are seeing a catastrophic rise of suspicion and paranoia. This beautiful, tender, intelligent book is an essential guide to how we find our way back to each other—and to trust.”
Johann Hari, author of Stolen Focus
“
Why are we so divided? Too many of our neighborhoods, cities, and digital spaces are antisocial by design. Charles Montgomery exposes this collective failure with precision, and then shows us exactly how to fix it.”
Jeff Speck, author of Walkable City
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The Trust Experiments is absolutely essential in the times we live in today. Montgomery draws our attention to what is vital and is now seriously threatened: trust among those who live in and share living spaces, whether it be a street, a neighborhood, a city, a region, or a country.”
Carlos Moreno, author of The 15-Minute City
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An ambitious and hopeful guide to one of the defining problems of our age. Humans are wired to form tribes, but we are also remarkably capable of trusting strangers. Charles Montgomery shows how the right environments can tip that balance toward cooperation.”
Jay Van Bavel, coauthor of The Power of Us
“
Charles poses the important social questions of our time: What do we do about the flood of disinformation poisoning our minds; the erosion of trust in our societies; the feelings of alienation and fear within communities. But he actually has answers! He outlines, in detail, how we can become well-informed, trustful and engaged citizens once again. This is a very important book, one that provides hope along with a call to action. Buy two! You will want to share with others.”
Carol Off, author of At a Loss for Words
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The Trust Experiments is nothing less than a manifesto for rebuilding human connection. Charles Montgomery shows that the forces dividing us are not inevitable. They are designed, which means they can be redesigned–for common good.”
Thomas Garvey, President (2023–2025), World Design Organization
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This book is for anyone who feels socially disconnected. Through small actions, Montgomery argues, we can begin to rebuild social trust.”
Emily Talen, author of Neighborhood
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With fascinating personal stories, remarkably engaging discussions of science and policy, and most importantly, hope and optimism, Montgomery charts a path to a better, more unified, more trusting world.”
Colin Ellard, author of Places of the Heart
Ideas, essays, talks and collaborations on how we can live better together.
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