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The Coddling of the American Mind
352 pages, 2018
science & nature
1064 books
economics & politics
987 books
philosophy
711 booksThe New York Times bestseller! A finalist for the 2018 National Book Critics Circle Award in Nonfiction. Something has been going wrong on many college campuses in the last few years. Speakers are shouted down. Students and professors say they are walking on eggshells and are afraid to speak honestly. Rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide are rising—on campus as well as nationally.
First Amendment expert Greg Lukianoff and social psychologist Jonathan Haidt show how the new problems on campus have their origins in three terrible ideas that have become increasingly woven into American childhood and education: What doesn’t kill you makes you weaker; always trust your feelings, and life is a battle between good people and evil people.
These three Great Untruths contradict basic psychological principles about well-being and ancient wisdom from many cultures.
Jonathan Haidt explores the idea that what doesn't kill you makes you weaker. He argues that this belief is not only false but harmful. Instead, he suggests that challenges and adversity can actually make us stronger and more resilient. So, don't shy away from difficulties, embrace them!
Haidt digs into the concept that always trusting your feelings can lead to misguided beliefs. He encourages us to question our emotions and not let them dictate our understanding of reality. It's a call to think critically and not just follow our feelings blindly.
In this book, Haidt takes a look at the idea that life is a battle between good people and evil people. He argues that this black-and-white thinking can lead to unnecessary conflict and division. Instead, he encourages us to see the complexity in people and situations.
Jonathan Haidt researches the role of free speech in cognitive development. He suggests that shielding young people from differing opinions can hinder their ability to think critically and independently. So, let's encourage open discussions and debates!
Haidt explores the negative effects of overparenting. He finds that when parents are too protective, it can prevent children from developing resilience and independence. So, let's give our kids the freedom to make mistakes and learn from them!
Quotes 5
The Coddling of the American Mind is a groundbreaking and thought-provoking book that unravels the dangerous trend of safetyism that is crippling our society.
Steven Pinker - Cognitive PsychologistHaidt's book is a compelling exploration of the current state of our society, a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the forces shaping our world.
Malcolm Gladwell - Journalist, AuthorThe Coddling of the American Mind is a profound and insightful critique of the modern culture of victimhood and its detrimental effects on our society.
Jordan Peterson - Psychologist, ProfessorHaidt's book is a powerful examination of the culture of safetyism and its impact on free speech and intellectual diversity.
Sam Harris - Neuroscientist, PhilosopherThe Coddling of the American Mind is a compelling and insightful analysis of the current state of our society and the dangers of overprotectiveness.
Fareed Zakaria - Journalist, Author
