Books like The Coddling of the American Mind by Greg Lukianoff

On the back of rising anxiety, depression, and suicide rates among students, authors Greg Lukianoff, a First Amendment expert, and Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist, trace the roots of campus unrest to three dominant, yet harmful, ideas that have seeped into American childhood and education. By examining how these "Great Untruths" clash with foundational psychological principles and riskier cultural norms, they illustrate the erosion of the ability to navigate complex realities. Placing these trends within the broader context of America’s growing political polarization—including the uptick in hate crimes and off‑campus provocations—they also explore shifts in parenting styles, the disappearance of unsupervised play, and the pervasive influence of social media on teenagers. The book serves as a guide for anyone troubled by contemporary campus culture, concerned parents, or citizens worried about America’s capacity for bipartisan cooperation and intellectual freedom.

First publish date: 2018