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55 pages 1 hour read

The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas are Setting Up a Generation for Failure

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2018

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Book Brief

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Greg Lukianoff, Jonathan Haidt

The Coddling of the American Mind

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2018
Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

2010s

Publication Year

2018

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Coddling of the American Mind by Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt argues that overprotective parenting and educational practices have led to a generation of young people who are less resilient and more prone to anxiety. It discusses three key "Great Untruths" and examines the impact of these beliefs on students' mental health and campus dynamics. The book suggests cognitive behavioral therapy as a tool for fostering resilience and open-mindedness among students. The text includes discussions of mental illness, self-harm, and suicide.

Informative

Challenging

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.5

56,050 ratings

85%

Loved it

11%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

The reviews for The Coddling of the American Mind by Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt are divided. Positive insights highlight its compelling argument about the adverse effects of overprotective parenting and campus culture on young adults. Critics, however, note a somewhat one-sided perspective and argue it oversimplifies complex issues. Overall, an engaging yet polarizing read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Coddling of the American Mind?

Readers who would enjoy The Coddling of the American Mind by Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt are typically interested in social psychology, cultural studies, and higher education trends. They might also appreciate works like Allan Bloom's The Closing of the American Mind and Jean Twenge's iGen for their thought-provoking exploration of societal shifts and youth culture.

4.5

56,050 ratings

85%

Loved it

11%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Character List

Jonathan Haidt

A social psychologist and professor at New York University who teaches ethical leadership, beginning his exploration of "safetyism" after a preschool orientation he attended with his family highlighted the need for strict allergy controls.

A Stanford law graduate and the president of FIRE, advocating for freedom of speech on college campuses; he has personally benefited from cognitive behavioral therapy to manage depression.

Founder of the Free-Range Kids movement, known for allowing her nine-year-old son to ride the subway alone, which sparked public controversy and led to her being labeled "America’s worst mom."

A sociologist known for his theory on the dual social aspects of humans, whose concepts of "collective effervescence" have been applied to explain modern societal behaviors like campus protests.

A sociologist inspired by Durkheim's ideas, applying them to phenomena such as witch hunts and providing insights into the nature of contemporary campus protests.

Psychiatrist credited with developing cognitive behavioral therapy in the 1960s, focused on the idea that altering negative beliefs can lead to improved mental health and coping mechanisms.

A psychologist from San Diego State University who argues that Generation Z's pursuit of safety leads them to challenge speakers and ideas they find threatening, often interpreting them as dangerous.

A professor involved in a controversial event at Middlebury College where protests against Charles Murray led to her injury, highlighting tensions in political discourse on college campuses.

Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

2010s

Publication Year

2018

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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