Complacency is defined as self-satisfaction accompanied by unawareness of possible deficiencies or dangers. In The Complacent Class: The Self-Defeating Quest for the American Dream, Tyler Cowen argues that more Americans are living comfortably and contently with what life has handed them. By sheltering ourselves from the new and different, it’s hard to see what is lost by standing still. But if you look at the data, we’re seeing a shift in the fabric of American society—from losses in new startups and economic growth to more instances of segregation and inequality. It’s not too late to change course and re-embrace the restlessness that has long defined America. Are you part of the complacent class? Take the quiz to find out. (Please note: Hitting the “back” button during the quiz could result in an error message). Too Complacent? Here are a few small steps you can take toward a less complacent life. Pick 3! Social Dynamism Get off of social media for a month. Don’t even announce that you’re doing it. Just do it. Have a civil conversation with someone you typically disagree with on social or political issues. Take the time to figure out what drives them and where their ideas come from. (If you’re single) Ask out a stranger in real life. In case we’ve all forgotten how to do this, walk up to someone at a bar, start a conversation, and go from there. Delete the four most frequently used apps from your phone for a week. Stop listening to music or podcasts while you’re in public and interact with your physical surroundings. Go to lunch with someone in your office from a different department. Go to the movie theater, without looking in advance, and choose a movie that you wouldn’t normally see. Explore a music genre you are not familiar with until you find three songs you really like. Talk to your Uber driver… about something other than Uber. (Bonus) Grocery shop exclusively at a specialty grocery store for a month, such as an Asian food market. Intellectual Dynamism Write an article defending the opposite political view of what you believe. Try to be as convincing as possible! Take an online or evening class that has nothing to do with your career or existing talents. Next time you get upset about a political or social injustice, do something about it. Volunteer, protest, or donate to a cause. Use Google… Read more…