Dumbing Us Down is a scathing indictment of the modern education system, written by former New York City public school teacher John Taylor Gatto. In it, he argues that compulsory schooling does more to indoctrinate children into accepting unquestioningly the prevailing social order than it does to educate them in critical thinking and independence.
For who is this book for ?
This book is for anyone who has ever been frustrated by the traditional educational system, or felt like they were “dumbed down” in school. Gatto makes a compelling case that our current approach to education does more harm than good, and he offers some interesting alternatives.
Pros :
- Dumbing Us Down is a well-researched and articulate indictment of the modern education system.
- It offers a refreshing alternative to traditional schooling methods.
- John Taylor Gatto’s writing is engaging and thought-provoking.
Cons :
- It may be difficult to find a copy of the book.
- The author’s perspective is highly controversial, and some readers may not agree with his arguments.
- It is an dense read, containing a great deal of information that may be challenging for non-experts to understand.
Learn more about the author
John Taylor Gatto is a former public school teacher in New York City and the 1991 recipient of the prestigious MacArthur Fellowship. He has written extensively on education, including A Different Kind of Teacher and The Underground History of American Education.
Reader Reviews
“This is an essential book for everyone who wants to understand how our educational system cripples children’s potential and undermines society as a whole.”
“John Taylor Gatto is a genius and this book is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the true purpose of compulsory schooling.”
“Dumbing Us Down is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the true purpose of compulsory education.”
“If you are at all interested in the current state of education, or if you have ever wondered why “
