Higher education plays a crucial role in shaping individuals' future opportunities and career paths. Our selection of books on the topic provides valuable insights into the challenges and benefits of pursuing advanced education.
Delve into our collection to gain a deeper understanding of the higher education landscape and equip yourself with essential knowledge for making informed decisions about your academic journey. Ready to broaden your perspectives and make informed choices for your future?
Don’t Go Back to School shows how not having a degree doesn’t doom you to an unsuccessful life. In fact, quite the contrary: chalked full of real-life examples, this book presents a strong case for independent learning as well as principles you can immediately enact to make independent learning a part of your life.
The End of College (2015) is about the American higher education system. These blinks give a historical overview of how the author sees the development of the American university and its evolution from European models. He evaluates its current status and advocates for the University of Everywhere – a remotely accessible university of the future.
The Death of Expertise (2017) examines the current attacks on science and knowledge that seem to be on the rise in our current technological and political environment. What has happened to objective truths being the truth and facts being indisputable? Why is science now a matter of political partisanship? Find out what’s really going on and why this is one of the most important issues of our day.
U Thrive (2017) provides the tools necessary to thrive on a college campus and beyond. Informative and actionable in equal parts, these blinks provide great insights and offer helpful advice on everything from alleviating stress during final exams to surviving nightmarish dorm mates.
At a time when many see specialization as the route to success, Range (2019) shows that having broad interests and taking your time to find your focus in life lead to excellence and innovation. Drawing on examples from business, sports, science and human psychology, Range urges us all to stay open-minded and curious.
Where You Go Is Not Who You’ll Be (2015) casts a critical eye over the mania surrounding the college admissions process in the United States. For decades, students and parents have become increasingly convinced that future success is dependent upon landing a spot at the most prestigious schools, while colleges have become engaged in their own competition for a spot at the top of the school rankings. Bruni argues that this has led to an out-of-control system that has caused people to lose sight of the real benefits of higher education.
The Coddling of the American Mind (2018) seeks to go behind the scandalized reporting and to establish what’s really happening on US college campuses. Drawing on psychological theory and wide-ranging research, The Coddling of the American Mind demonstrates that university life has taken a worrying turn.
Late Bloomers (2019) explores why modern society is obsessed with early achievement. It explains the damaging effects a super-charged education can have on young people’s mental health, as well as how our family, our peers, and the media influence the life paths we take. Drawing on his own experiences, author Rich Karlgaard suggests that blooming later in life is not something to be ashamed of, but something to be celebrated instead.
Post Corona (2020) is a ruthless analysis of how the COVID-19 outbreak has reshaped our world. This survey of the post-pandemic business landscape shows who’s benefited and who’s been harmed by the virus.
Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? (1997) explores the reality of race in the American public education system and sheds light on racial-identity development in both Black and white people. Updated with a new prologue in 2017, it also explains how talking openly about racism is essential for cutting across racial and ethnic divides.
The Price You Pay for College (2021) is a one-stop shop for everything you need to know about choosing a college and financing your education. Exploring mentorship, financial aid, and graduate salaries, it clarifies an often confusing world, aiming to ensure that students’ momentous decisions are informed ones.
The Summa Theologica (1485), unfinished at the author’s death in 1274, dives into the depths of Christian theology, systematically exploring topics such as God, Christ, and the Holy Trinity. It dissects theological and philosophical arguments to present a comprehensive understanding of Christian doctrines.
What They Teach You at Harvard Business School (2008) is a candid insider's view into one of the world’s most prestigious business schools, providing insights into its curriculum, culture, and impact on students' lives. Through case studies, math, and unsolicited advice, it follows one unlikely student’s memorable experience obtaining this coveted MBA, revealing both the strengths and shortcomings of the HBS education along the way.
Social Justice Fallacies (2023) unravels the myths and misconceptions driving today's social justice movement. It turns out that many popular beliefs about how society should be improved often conflict with concrete facts. This exploration sheds light on the perilous path of good intentions paired with fallacious assertions.
Understanding Power (2002) is a compilation of discussions and seminars by Noam Chomsky curated by Peter R. Mitchell and John Schoeffel. Throughout this collection, Chomsky delves into a wide range of topics, primarily focusing on how power and politics shape societies – critiquing media, corporate power, and governmental control, all while examining how these forces influence public opinion, policy, and democracy. With a focus on America, it reinterprets events of the past concerning foreign and social policy, highlighting the many challenges that Americans continue to face.
Hyperspace (1994) offers an accessible introduction to string theory, one of the most exciting ideas in modern physics. It also explores some of the implications of the theory, such as the possible existence of wormholes.
The Courage to Teach (1998) reveals how authentic, impactful teaching stems from embracing one’s personal identity rather than relying solely on pedagogy or expertise. It demonstrates how teachers can turn educational challenges into meaningful opportunities by nurturing their inner selves, embracing vulnerability, and fostering supportive professional communities.
Limitless Mind (2019) explores the potential of the human brain to learn and grow without boundaries, challenging the traditional belief that intelligence and abilities are fixed traits. Drawing on the latest science and research, it presents readers with six keys to enhancing learning capabilities and overcoming educational and personal obstacles.
The Order of Things (1966) is a philosophical examination of our most basic beliefs about knowledge. With depth and skill, it exposes the shaky foundations holding up society’s perceived truths and argues that much of what we know actually just relies on chance.
The Problems of Philosophy (1912), is an accessible introduction to fundamental philosophical questions that explore the nature of reality, the limits of human knowledge, and the value of philosophical inquiry. It challenges readers to question their assumptions about the world and how we understand it.
What Does It All Mean? (1987) invites you to explore some of the most intriguing philosophical questions. You’ll engage with ideas about reality, the certainty of knowledge, and the nature of free will, challenging what you know and expanding your view of life’s mysteries. This thoughtful examination of philosophical ideas will refine your critical thinking and deepen your appreciation for the human experience.
Not the End of the World (2024) argues for radical hope amid environmental crisis. Recent data show that, contrary to the usual gloom and doom, tremendous progress towards sustainability is being made. By focusing on well-defined and tractable issues, we can shift our collective behavior and avert climate disaster.
The 12-Week MBA (2024) offers an accelerated path to mastering essential business administration skills and knowledge, traditionally taught in MBA programs, in just three months. It distills critical insights and practical advice for managers and aspiring leaders, aiming to equip them with the tools needed to succeed in the fast-paced business world.
Utilitarianism (1861) introduces a moral theory proposing that the most ethical action is the one that maximizes overall happiness and well-being for all affected parties. The work explores the implications of this principle and defends it against potential objections, all while considering its practical applications in various aspects of life.
How to Think Like a Woman (2023) is an exploration of one woman’s journey to reclaim her love of philosophy in the face of a male-dominated canon. Interweaving memoir with the biographies of four extraordinary seventeenth- and eighteenth-century women philosophers, this inventive meditation challenges the foundations of traditional philosophical thought and envisions a more inclusive future for the discipline.
The Education of Millionaires (2011) argues that the most critical skills for success aren’t taught in traditional educational institutions. Based on interviews with millionaires and billionaires, it suggests that to thrive in the real world, people need to learn practical skills such as finding great mentors, building a strong network, creating meaningful work, and developing a personal brand.
Think (1999) is a practical guide to philosophy that tackles profound questions of knowledge, consciousness, fate, and morality. By exploring the approaches of great thinkers like Descartes, Hume, and Kant, this work serves as an accessible introduction to the enduring debates that shape our understanding of truth, justice, and the human condition.
Brave New Words (2024) delves into the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on various aspects of our lives, from education and work to healthcare and scientific research. It navigates the ethical challenges surrounding advanced AI while presenting an optimistic outlook on its potential to drive innovation and improve the human condition.
Reading Genesis (2024) approaches the Book of Genesis as a work of profound literary and theological significance, emphasizing its rich exploration of themes that resonate throughout Scripture. Rather than focusing on its historical coherence or literal truth, it celebrates Genesis for its enduring articulation of God’s covenant and the deep meanings found in its stories, expressing gratitude for the divine faith in humanity.
How Economics Explains the World (2024) offers a sweeping narrative of human history through the lens of economic forces – from the agricultural revolution to the age of artificial intelligence. This concise yet comprehensive work illuminates how ingenuity, market dynamics, and the pursuit of progress have profoundly shaped our past and present, while also examining the economic challenges that will define our future.
Artificial Intelligence & Generative AI for Beginners (2023) introduces foundational concepts of artificial intelligence and generative AI. Covering key topics like machine learning, neural networks, and natural language processing, it aims to simplify complex ideas for newcomers to the field. Through practical examples, it demonstrates how AI is applied in real-world settings, offering an accessible and engaging way to explore this rapidly evolving technology.
Of Grammatology (1967) overturns basic assumptions about writing and speech, uncovering that writing isn't just a tool for recording words but a fundamental system that makes all meaning possible. This revolutionary work became one of the cornerstones of poststructuralist thought, changing how we understand language, knowledge, and meaning-making across philosophy, literature, and cultural studies.
Productive Failure (2023) explores how allowing learners to struggle with difficult problems before receiving instruction leads to deeper understanding and better long-term retention. It emphasizes the benefits of learning through failure, encouraging students to engage in critical thinking and problem-solving before being guided toward the correct solution. By encouraging productive struggle, it offers a new approach to education that promotes more meaningful learning outcomes.
What Kind of Creatures Are We? (2015) takes you on an exhilarating journey into the depths of human consciousness, revealing how language shapes thought and defines our species. Through clear, precise explanations of groundbreaking research in linguistics and cognitive science, you'll discover why your mind can effortlessly create infinite meanings from finite elements – a unique capability that emerged suddenly in human history.
The Science of Rapid Skill Acquisition (2019) offers actionable strategies to master new skills efficiently and effectively. It emphasizes breaking down complex information, practicing strategically, and optimizing your environment to accelerate learning and improve performance. Designed for both personal and professional growth, it provides practical insights to help you work smarter, not harder.
A Passion for Leadership (2016) offers leadership strategies based on the challenges of driving change within large organizations. It draws from a range of experiences in managing complex bureaucracies, emphasizing approaches for making them more agile and accountable and providing practical insights for anyone looking to lead and reform an institutional structure.