The Coddling of the American Mind


Book Description

New York Times Bestseller • Finalist for the 2018 National Book Critics Circle Award in Nonfiction • A New York Times Notable Book • Bloomberg Best Book of 2018 “Their distinctive contribution to the higher-education debate is to meet safetyism on its own, psychological turf . . . Lukianoff and Haidt tell us that safetyism undermines the freedom of inquiry and speech that are indispensable to universities.” —Jonathan Marks, Commentary “The remedies the book outlines should be considered on college campuses, among parents of current and future students, and by anyone longing for a more sane society.” —Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 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. How did this happen? 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. Embracing these untruths—and the resulting culture of safetyism—interferes with young people’s social, emotional, and intellectual development. It makes it harder for them to become autonomous adults who are able to navigate the bumpy road of life. Lukianoff and Haidt investigate the many social trends that have intersected to promote the spread of these untruths. They explore changes in childhood such as the rise of fearful parenting, the decline of unsupervised, child-directed play, and the new world of social media that has engulfed teenagers in the last decade. They examine changes on campus, including the corporatization of universities and the emergence of new ideas about identity and justice. They situate the conflicts on campus within the context of America’s rapidly rising political polarization and dysfunction. This is a book for anyone who is confused by what is happening on college campuses today, or has children, or is concerned about the growing inability of Americans to live, work, and cooperate across party lines.




The Opening of the American Mind


Book Description

"Launched from the campus of the University of Chicago in 2008 by three Social Thought graduate students, The Point has since become one of the country's most indispensable intellectual outlets, reflecting on the changing face of American politics and culture for over a decade now. This collection gathers some of the best pieces of The Point's first ten years, reflecting a period that spans from the utopianism of Obama's ascendancy to the despondency and cynicism of the Trump era. With a unique grounding in philosophy and literature, the essays and symposia of The Point come from diverse voices and are marked by the conviction that there is a virtue to questioning received wisdom, no matter what wisdom you have received. This energetic and remarkable tour through the pages of The Point takes us from the early optimism of the Obama presidency to the emergence of Black Lives Matter and Occupy Wall Street to more somber reflections on thinking in the age of Trump. But the collection ultimately aims to inspire rather than stultify, pointing to the passionate repersonalization of politics in the face of disappointment and tragedy. Ultimately, the collection aims to challenge its readers to think outside their common sense and go beyond their comfort zones, to consider the reality of alternative political ideals in their full reality and promise, and to retain the primacy of thinking above and beyond political strategy"--




The Reopening of the American Mind


Book Description

The Reopening of the American Mind: On Skepticism and Constitutionalism explores the connection of moderate skepticism with attachment to constitutionalism through the thought of five writers. The features of this skepticism were concisely delineated by James Madison in the 37th Federalist as a recognition of the complexity of political matters, the limitations of human reason, and the shortcomings of language. The position was first articulated by Cicero who connected it with the idea of a mixed or republican constitution developed by trial and error over generations. Cicero was influential in the world of David Hume, Edmund Burke, and Madison. The skeptical/constitutional connection found its most articulate recent advocate in Supreme Court Justice Felix Frankfurter and underlay his advocacy of judicial restraint. Current events have revived interest in the primacy of the legislative branch in balancing interests and rights, in the States as laboratories for democracy, and in an experimental approach to the solution of social problems in what might be called a reopening of the American mind. The five central chapters explore the skeptical/constitutional connection and the spirit of moderation in these political thinkers. Without an appreciation of this tradition of avoiding dogmatism, people will continue to demand simple answers to complex problems. The book is not, however, primarily a tract for the times but a reflection on the on-going search for a more civil world.




The American Mind in Action


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The American Mind


Book Description

An analysis of the political and social thought prevalent in America from 1880 to 1940




Reopening Muslim Minds


Book Description

A fascinating journey into Islam's diverse history of ideas, making an argument for an "Islamic Enlightenment" today In Reopening Muslim Minds, Mustafa Akyol, senior fellow at the Cato Institute and opinion writer for The New York Times, both diagnoses “the crisis of Islam” in the modern world, and offers a way forward. Diving deeply into Islamic theology, and also sharing lessons from his own life story, he reveals how Muslims lost the universalism that made them a great civilization in their earlier centuries. He especially demonstrates how values often associated with Western Enlightenment — freedom, reason, tolerance, and an appreciation of science — had Islamic counterparts, which sadly were cast aside in favor of more dogmatic views, often for political ends. Elucidating complex ideas with engaging prose and storytelling, Reopening Muslim Minds borrows lost visions from medieval Muslim thinkers such as Ibn Rushd (aka Averroes), to offer a new Muslim worldview on a range of sensitive issues: human rights, equality for women, freedom of religion, or freedom from religion. While frankly acknowledging the problems in the world of Islam today, Akyol offers a clear and hopeful vision for its future.




The American Mind


Book Description

Welcome to the enlightening world of "The American Mind" by Bliss Perry, a thought-provoking exploration of the intellectual and cultural landscape of America that offers readers a deeper understanding of the nation's history, values, and identity. Prepare to embark on a journey through the rich tapestry of American thought and ideas as Perry delves into the minds of the nation's most influential thinkers, writers, and leaders. From the founding fathers to the modern-day visionaries, from the Transcendentalists to the Pragmatists, this insightful book examines the diverse strands of thought that have shaped the American psyche. Join Perry as he explores the key themes and ideas that have defined the American experience, from democracy and individualism to freedom and progress. Through engaging prose and meticulous research, he offers readers a comprehensive overview of the intellectual currents that have shaped the nation's history and shaped its destiny. "The American Mind" is more than just a survey of American thought—it's a celebration of the nation's intellectual vitality and creative spirit. Perry's insightful analysis and engaging storytelling shed light on the complexities of American culture and offer readers a deeper appreciation for the diverse voices that have contributed to its development. The overall tone of the book is one of curiosity and exploration, as Perry invites readers to join him on a journey of discovery through the annals of American history and literature. Through his vivid descriptions and vivid characterizations, he brings to life the ideas and personalities that have shaped the American mind. Since its publication, "The American Mind" has been praised for its erudition, insight, and readability, making it a beloved classic of American intellectual history. Its exploration of the nation's intellectual heritage offers readers a valuable perspective on the ideas and values that continue to shape American society today. Whether you're a student of American history, a lover of ideas, or simply someone seeking a deeper understanding of the American experience, "The American Mind" promises an enlightening and enriching reading experience. Prepare to be inspired, challenged, and ultimately transformed by Bliss Perry's masterful exploration of the nation's intellectual landscape. Experience the richness of "The American Mind" today. Order your copy now and embark on a journey of discovery through the heart and soul of America.




Opening the American Mind


Book Description




The Closing of the Western Mind


Book Description

A radical and powerful reappraisal of the impact of Constantine’s adoption of Christianity on the later Roman world, and on the subsequent development both of Christianity and of Western civilization. When the Emperor Contstantine converted to Christianity in 368 AD, he changed the course of European history in ways that continue to have repercussions to the present day. Adopting those aspects of the religion that suited his purposes, he turned Rome on a course from the relatively open, tolerant and pluralistic civilization of the Hellenistic world, towards a culture that was based on the rule of fixed authority, whether that of the Bible, or the writings of Ptolemy in astronomy and of Galen and Hippocrates in medicine. Only a thousand years later, with the advent of the Renaissance and the emergence of modern science, did Europe begin to free itself from the effects of Constantine's decision, yet the effects of his establishment of Christianity as a state religion remain with us, in many respects, today. Brilliantly wide-ranging and ambitious, this is a major work of history.