• Home
  • Episodes
  • Books for Leaders
  • About Us
    • Our Team
    • Contact Us
  • Our Sponsors
  • Blog
  • Our Newsletter
The Leadership Podcast

The Leadership Podcast

We Study Leaders

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

July 10, 2020

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

A finalist for the 2018 National Book Critics Circle Award in Nonfiction and NYT bestseller

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?

Order Now!
About the Book

A finalist for the 2018 National Book Critics Circle Award in Nonfiction

A New York Times Notable Book

Bloomberg Best Book of 2018

The New York Times bestseller!

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.

`

Details
Author: CCC Show Mentions Prominent
Series: Frances Frei
Tags: Change, Communication, Cultural, Diversity, History, Influence, Jim's Favorites, Leadership, Negotiation, Non-Fiction, Personal Development, Philosophy, Recommended Books
ASIN: 0735224919
Order Now
Buy from Amazon
Share
Facebook Twitter Google+
Other Books on the Show in the "Frances Frei"
Unleashed: The Unapologetic Leader’s Guide to Empowering Everyone Around You
Preview
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the page above are "affiliate links." This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divid...
Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If...

Related Posts

  • TLP304: History Doesn’t Repeat Itself… But it Does Rhyme
  • TLP352: A World Where Change is Fun
  • TLP082: Real Adversity Yields Great Resiliency
  • TLP289: Why Making Work Fun Is Not A Frivolous Affair
  • TLP156: Helping Others Take Personal Responsibility
iTunes
Spotify
Audible
SoundCloud
iHeartRADIO

Instagram Feed

westudyleaders

#leadership #leadershiptraining #leader #westudyleaders

Most leaders focus on productivity, but what if sl Most leaders focus on productivity, but what if sleep is the missing piece? In this episode, Giles Watkins shares insights from his 30-year business career and personal struggle with insomnia, revealing how sleep impacts decision-making, performance, and leadership.If you're running on empty, this is your wake-up call. 🎧 https://bit.ly/TLP-457?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#Leadership #SleepMatters #HighPerformance #WorkplaceWellness #BetterSleep
TLP462: Overcome Your Fear of Being Seen with Lind TLP462: Overcome Your Fear of Being Seen with Linda Ugelow Our latest episode with Linda Ugelow https://bit.ly/TLP-462?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders&utm_content=TLP462%3A%20Overcome%20Your%20Fear%20of%20Being%20Seen%20with%20Linda%20Ugelow #leadership #LeadershipDevelopment, #PublicSpeakingTips, #SelfAwareness, #ConfidenceCoach, #GrowthMindset, #FearIsAMessenger, #EmpoweredLeadership, #DelightInTheLimelight, #ExpressYourself, #AuthenticLeadership, #SpeakToServe, #VoiceMatters
Thinking of a career pivot but unsure what's next? Thinking of a career pivot but unsure what's next? Kasey D'Amato recommends taking a full break from your daily routine to gain clarity. Discover why this method works and how to apply it to your life. https://bit.ly/TLP-455?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#Leadership #CareerChange #SelfImprovement #Coaching #Entrepreneurship #Success #Mindset
Join us for a powerful chat with Dr. Steven Stein—renowned psychologist & author—on how emotional intelligence shapes top leaders! 🧠💡🔹 The "Three Cs" of Hardiness: Commitment, Challenge & Control🔹 How EI training boosted U.S. Air Force recruiter retention🔹 Why authenticity & empowerment are key to great leadership🎧 Don't miss this episode! https://bit.ly/TLP-453?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#EmotionalIntelligence #Leadership #Resilience #Authenticity #EmpowerYourTeam
Think pushing your team harder will get better res Think pushing your team harder will get better results? Think again. Giles Watkins explains why sleep deprivation leads to diminishing returns and why leaders must prioritize rest for sustainable performance. https://bit.ly/TLP-457?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#Leadership #SleepMatters #Productivity #WorkLifeBalance #ExecutiveHealth
TLP458: How to Build a Business that’s Smarter t TLP458: How to Build a Business that’s Smarter than You with Pippa Begg Our latest episode with Pippa Begg https://bit.ly/TLP-458?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders&utm_content=TLP458%3A%20How%20to%20Build%20a%20Business%20that%27s%20Smarter%20than%20You%20with%20Pippa%20Begg #leadership #Resilience #DecisionMaking #HighPerformingTeams #Mentorship #PersonalGrowth #Trust #ContinuousLearning #LeadershipDevelopment
Before you speak to others, speak to yourself with Before you speak to others, speak to yourself with kindness. Self-talk can build—or break—your confidence. Choose to be your own champion. https://bit.ly/TLP-462?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#LeadershipDevelopment #ConfidenceCoach #SelfAdvocacy #FearToConfidence #GrowthMindset #OwnYourVoice #LeadershipQuote #PodcastWisdom
Leaders often fail to recognize how pressure disto Leaders often fail to recognize how pressure distorts their perception, leading to micromanagement and overuse of authority. Sabina Nawaz @sabinacoaching shares powerful insights on how pressure—not power—can corrupt leadership. Tune in to discover how coaching can transform even the most reactive leaders into role models! https://bit.ly/TLP-464?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#Leadership #SelfAwareness #Coaching #LeadershipDevelopment #Authenticity #PressureNotPower #VulnerabilityInLeadership #EffectiveLeadership #GrowthMindset #LeadershipCoaching #LeadershipTransformation #LeadershipInsights #TLPPodcast
Curiosity isn't just a trait—it's a switch. If i Curiosity isn't just a trait—it's a switch. If it's off, you're stuck. If it's on, every day feels like progress. Jamie Beaton shares how top leaders and learners stay engaged, relevant, and continuously growing. If you feel stuck, this episode is for you! Listen now: https://bit.ly/TLP-456?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#CuriositySwitch #Leadership #GrowthMindset #StayRelevant #TopTalent #Entrepreneurship
Hiring the perfect candidate isn't always the answ Hiring the perfect candidate isn't always the answer. Jim and Jan discuss why emotional intelligence, curiosity, and adaptability are more important than unrealistic expectations. Tune in for practical advice on building stronger teams and setting clear career and hiring goals! https://bit.ly/TLP-461?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#UnicornCandidates #Leadership #Hiring #EmotionalIntelligence #Adaptability #CareerGrowth
Leaders often rush to solutions without truly unde Leaders often rush to solutions without truly understanding the problem. What if AI could expose flaws in our decision-making and help us think more critically? In this episode, we dive into how AI can refine leadership decisions. https://bit.ly/TLP-458?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#Leadership #CriticalThinking #AIinBusiness #DecisionMaking #ExecutiveCoaching
Mindset shift = game changer. Instead of dreading Mindset shift = game changer. Instead of dreading the tasks ahead, reframe them: What do I get to do today? Adam Contos challenges us to approach each day with purpose and energy. Ready to change the way you lead? Listen now! https://bit.ly/TLP-459?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#Leadership #GrowthMindset #Resilience #SmallWins #Confidence #StartWithAWin #LeadershipLessons #SuccessMindset #ProfessionalGrowth #Podcast
Many leaders feel stuck despite their success. In Many leaders feel stuck despite their success. In this episode, Kasey D'Amato shares how to align business and life goals, recalibrate every 90 days, and break free from burnout. Listen now! https://bit.ly/TLP-455?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#Leadership #Success #EmotionalIntelligence #CareerGrowth #TimeManagement #Coaching #Entrepreneurship #Resilience #SelfLeadership
"People don't leave jobs; they leave managers"—o "People don't leave jobs; they leave managers"—or do they? New research shows employees quit when they lack trust in leadership or don't believe in the mission. Authenticity, transparency, and purpose matter more than ever. 💡 Want to build trust & keep top talent? Tune in now! https://bit.ly/TLP-453?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#CompanyCulture #TrustInLeadership #EmployeeRetention #WorkplaceSuccess
Great leaders don't just push through exhaustion—they optimize their rest to perform at their best. 🎧 Tune in to this episode to learn how to make sleep your leadership advantage. https://bit.ly/TLP-457?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#Leadership #BetterSleep #HighPerformance
Success isn't just about credentials—it's about Success isn't just about credentials—it's about learning agility, ambition, and adaptability. Jamie Beaton, founder of Crimson Education, shares how mentorship, global leadership, and curiosity shaped his journey from student to CEO. If you want to know how top leaders stay ahead, this episode is for you! Listen now. https://bit.ly/TLP-456?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#Leadership #CuriositySwitch #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #TopTalent #LearningAgility
Big success doesn't happen overnight—it's built Big success doesn't happen overnight—it's built one small action at a time. Adam Contos reminds us that leadership isn't about giant leaps, but consistent effort. What's one small win you can create today? Listen to the full episode now! https://bit.ly/TLP-459?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#Leadership #GrowthMindset #Resilience #SmallWins #Confidence #StartWithAWin #LeadershipLessons #SuccessMindset #ProfessionalGrowth #Podcast
Success isn't about avoiding failure—it's about Success isn't about avoiding failure—it's about learning from it. In this episode, Pippa Begg shares how confidence is built, why failure fuels success, and how great leaders make tough decisions under pressure. Tune in now! https://bit.ly/TLP-458?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#Leadership #GrowthMindset #Confidence #Motivation #CareerSuccess
Leadership, Legacy & the Power of Character In th Leadership, Legacy & the Power of CharacterIn this special Mastermind Episode of The Leadership Podcast, retired four-star General Stanley McChrystal returns for a powerful conversation on the defining choices that shape who we become.Hosts Jan Rutherford and Jim Vaselopulos go deep with General McChrystal, former commander of U.S. and international forces in Afghanistan, bestselling author of Team of Teams, and CEO of the McChrystal Group to explore how conviction and discipline build real character.From candid stories of failure at West Point to the lessons learned through loss, moral dilemmas, and war, this episode is an unfiltered look into the heart of leadership.Whether you're leading in business, the military, or your own personal growth, this conversation is a reminder that leadership is not about the leader. It's about the mission, the team, and the values we refuse to compromise.🎧 Listen now: https://bit.ly/TLPMM012?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-qnt0VWJ1S8?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders
TLP455: Break Free from Self-imposed Limitations w TLP455: Break Free from Self-imposed Limitations with Kasey D’Amato Our latest episode with Kasey D’Amato https://bit.ly/TLP-455?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders&utm_content=TLP455%3A%20Break%20Free%20from%20Self-imposed%20Limitations%20with%20Kasey%20D%27Amato #leadership #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #CareerChange #EmotionalIntelligence #TimeManagement #Resilience #SelfImprovement #Coaching #Success
Follow on Instagram

Recent Posts

  • TLPMM012: On Character with General Stanley McChrystal
  • TLP464: Become the Boss You Want to Be with Sabina Nawaz
  • TLP463: Functional Art and Leadership with Sibley Bacon
  • TLP462: Overcome Your Fear of Being Seen with Linda Ugelow
  • TLP461: Looking for Unicorns: The Hiring Dilemma with Jim and Jan

Recent Comments

  • Anonymous on TLP459: Small, Consistent Actions Over Time with Adam Contos
  • Anonymous on TLP460: Lessons on Leadership from Native American Elders with Susan Kelsey
  • Anonymous on TLP460: Lessons on Leadership from Native American Elders with Susan Kelsey
  • Anonymous on TLP459: Small, Consistent Actions Over Time with Adam Contos
  • Anonymous on TLP445: Glue Guys: Identifying Hidden Leaders with Jim and Jan

Tags

adaptability assumptions athletics authenticity business change coaching communication corporate crucible culture Curiosity education emotional intelligence entrepreneur financial healthcare hiring history humor influence innovation interview Jim & Jan leader leadership military neuroscience Patagonia philosophy practitioner productivity relationships resilience sales science speaker sports stories team development teamwork thought leader trust values veterans

Copyright © 2025 Rafti Advisors, LLC & Self-Reliant Leadership, LLC - All Rights Reserved. | Privacy Policy