The Coddling Of The American Mind
- 1. The Coddling of the American Mind is a thought-provoking exploration of the contemporary higher education landscape and the broader cultural implications of what authors Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt describe as the rise of a culture that overly protects and coddles young people, potentially stunting their emotional and intellectual growth. The book delves into how the protective instincts of parents and educational institutions have evolved into a trend of shielding students from discomforting ideas and challenging viewpoints, leading to an environment where free speech is curtailed and the capacity for resilience is diminished. Lukianoff and Haidt articulate their concerns through the lens of cognitive behavioral therapy, arguing that this trend has contributed to a generation struggling with increased anxiety, depression, and a lack of preparedness for the complexities of real life. They advocate for a return to the principles of free inquiry and open dialogue in education, asserting that grappling with dissenting opinions and learning to engage with distressing concepts are essential skills necessary for fostering critical thinking and emotional fortitude in students, ultimately reshaping them into well-rounded adults capable of navigating and contributing to a diverse and often contentious society.
Which Great Untruth involves avoiding discomfort?
A) Always trust your feelings
B) What doesn't kill you makes you weaker
C) Safety is the highest value
D) Life is a battle between good and evil people
- 2. What psychological concept describes becoming stronger through challenges?
A) Adaptability
B) Durability
C) Resilience
D) Antifragility
- 3. Which concept warns against seeing people as either good or evil?
A) Moral relativism
B) Dichotomous thinking
C) Character assessment
D) Ethical ambiguity
- 4. What do the authors suggest is declining on college campuses?
A) Academic standards
B) Faculty qualifications
C) Enrollment numbers
D) Viewpoint diversity
- 5. What do the authors identify as a cause of increased anxiety?
A) Overprotection in childhood
B) Increased academic pressure
C) Social media algorithms
D) Economic instability
- 6. Which practice do the authors criticize for reducing free inquiry?
A) Grade inflation
B) Online education
C) Standardized curriculum
D) Safetyism
- 7. What cognitive distortion involves assuming you know others' intentions?
A) Personalization
B) Mind reading
C) Magnification
D) Fortune telling
- 8. What do the authors suggest undermines critical thinking?
A) Group projects
B) Multiple choice tests
C) Memorization requirements
D) Emotional reasoning
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