Sissies and Books

I have become alarmed by the decline of freedom of speech, especially on campuses, and the corresponding rise of sensitivity mandates issuing from administrations. I grew up in a time of robust freedom of speech, which was deemed to be crucial to ascertaining truth and defining desirable goals and values. That freedom has all but vanished in academic settings. The dominant ideal now is not to give offense, not even minor offense, hence the proliferation of rules requiring "trigger warnings" and the prohibition of "microaggressions." There are now academic sensitivity warnings against American classics, such as The Great Gatsby.

I have always regarded freedom of speech to enjoy constitutional protection, within limits well described by Justice Holmes when he said that yelling Fire! in a crowded theater is not protected by the constitution. I have also believed in civility; freedom of speech is most beneficial when those who practice robust debate remain civil and courteous to all opponents as well as allies.

Sad to say, the result of all this overprotection of students from all walks of life is to produce a generation of sissies, people so thin-skinned they can't function in the real world, and are so busy being wounded that their educations are worthless. Whole graduating classes are loaded with sissies, and they are going to have trouble competing with people who grew up in a tougher world, and are better able to handle the rough and tumble of non-academic life.

One of my favorite presidents, Harry Truman, memorably put it this way: If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.

And if you can't stand to read books that deal with the real world in a real way, then retreat to the nearest convent or monastery and stay there.