The Coddling of the American Mind

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In recent years, many college campuses have faced significant challenges: speakers are silenced, and both students and professors express fear of speaking openly. Anxiety, depression, and suicide rates are rising on campuses and nationwide. Experts Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt identify three harmful ideas that have infiltrated 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 Great Untruths contradict fundamental psychological principles and ancient wisdom, fostering a culture of safetyism that hampers young people's social, emotional, and intellectual growth. This environment makes it difficult for them to develop into autonomous adults capable of navigating life's challenges. The authors explore various social trends contributing to the rise of these untruths, including the shift towards fearful parenting, the decline of unsupervised play, and the pervasive influence of social media on teenagers. They also examine the corporatization of universities and evolving concepts of identity and justice, framing campus conflicts within the broader context of America's increasing political polarization and dysfunction. This work is essential for anyone puzzled by current campus dynamics, parents, or those worried about the diminishing ability of Americans to collaborate across political divides.