America faces a crisis stemming from toxic ideas proliferated by higher education, which have eroded humanistic values, fueled intolerance, and deepened cultural divisions. Classic literature and American history are deemed oppressive, while traditional academic standards are labeled as racist and sexist. Students enter the workforce viewing identity through the lens of skin color, gender, and sexual preference, believing oppression is inherent to the American experience. Dissenting speech is often met with violence. The root of this issue lies in the pervasive belief in systemic racism and sexism, which has led to an expanding diversity bureaucracy in both society and academia. Diversity advocates reject meritocracy, impose hiring quotas, and condition individuals to see themselves as perpetual victims. Movements like #MeToo blur the lines between flirtation and criminality, and diversity training identifies racism in everyday interactions. Heather Mac Donald warns that we risk creating a nation of narrow-minded individuals focused on grievances, jeopardizing our competitive edge. However, hope persists in the works of inspiring authors, composers, and artists. Drawing on decades of research, the text advocates for a revival of classical liberal values centered on open-minded inquiry and expression, fostering a shared sense of humanity.
