Call them passions. Call them obsessions. These are the unique things CNN staffers can’t imagine our lives without. We share our raves and loves, whether it’s an object, place, experience or interesting topic we are passionate about. You don’t have to take our recommendations, but they just might change your life. While coffee shops may not save the world, but with every cappuccino sip and blueberry muffin, they are doing more for your mental health and society at large than you probably realize.( Thesis)
On the one hand, they are the world’s living room. There are places other than the home and office where people gather with opportunities for delicious food and drink, some conversation, or writing or reading or thinking, plus good music, and no one pressuring you to move along.
But these businesses are also a percolator of revolutionary thought leadership. For the last 500 years, coffee shops have been the platform for political, social and creative movements, incubators of artistic pursuits, and the marketplace of ideas.
Most importantly, coffee shops are easily accessible examples of what political scientists call “social infrastructure,” a way to connect us in an era when we are becoming increasingly solitary and divided. They foster a sense of community that is hard to find in this world of electronic gatherings. In our instance, we help develop relationships by introducing customers (neighbors) to each other, supporting causes (fundraisers, arts and crafts fairs), promoting local business like dogwalkers and housepainters, supporting arts, music, poetry. It’s so fun to see a community grow but also continue a sense of place and stability.
To conclude, when done right, the coffeeshop is a democratic, open, public space that can give you a rest from the rest of the world, kind of a safe space. It is also a meeting point for friends to celebrate happy moments, space to focus, think, read or work.”
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