Home: A Very Short Introduction

Homes have always been gathering places. Prehistoric peoples sheltered together as best they could, and sometimes even in good style. Many, many generations later, in recorded history, the rich and famous boasted opulent salons and courts for entertaining, which were celebrated, and to which invitations were keenly sought. But humble country folk and urbanites too, in various ethnic traditions, have placed friendly hospitality at or near the top of their list of social obligations that require careful tending, and thus a warm welcome and comforting hearth could be expected in their abodes as well. These traditions continue today. Home is central to human life. Accordingly, home has been much thought about, treasured, and longed for, and abundant written works and other cultural products have been devoted to the subject. We may suppose, then, that home is a settled concept, that is, one which is transparent and readily understood. But we need to think again. Home is a fundamental and universal concept, yet it has multiple associated and layered meanings for different people in a great range of circumstances. It inspires deep emotions and creative expressions that are both heartfelt and more intellectual. As a result, home surprises us by turning out to be a restless, shifting, somewhat elusive notion.