The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure / Greg Lukianoff & Jonathan Haidt
RATINGS
Overall: 5 / 5 stars
Text Level: Medium
Entertainment: High
Self-Help: High
Page Count: 271
Is this book right for me and my inmate?
If you get triggered easily by misunderstandings of words this book is a great tool.
Buy on: Amazon
Review By: Blackbird (Inmate)
Learning to be mentally stronger through challenge.
What can we do to make ourselves more mentally stronger and successful in this world? This book gives insight into how we can grow as mindful adults when we get triggered by challenges and words that cause anger. In the book we learn about the current struggles on college campus dealing with cancel culture and working to shut down opposing thoughts. As an inmate I found this valuable because many of the ways college students can adapt and build their emotional states would be useful for us as we are reintroduced into society.
Many of us belief that to stay safe (emotionally, mentally and physically) we need to avoid all negative input and challenges. We think we have to only surround ourselves with what is easy and comfortable. In truth this thinking directly leads to weakening us because we never develop the needed skills to face uncomfortable new challenges. Like training a muscle you need resistance to make them grow. So as people we need to hear and experience things that challenge our preconceived beliefs to question and learn.
This is an especially important thought for many inmates that have spent years trying to slide by living in their comfort zones. Frequently these comfort zones are what led us here to begin with. Using the Cognitive Behavior Theory strategies provided in this book will help lead the reader to question the thinking patterns that have kept us in these zones, so we can find new paths towards mental freedom and peace.
Book Quotes
"Argue as if you're right, but then listen as if you're wrong (and be willing to change your mind)."
"When serious thinkers respect someone, they are willing to engage them in thoughtful argument."
