The Closing of the American Mind

*The Closing of the American Mind* by Allan Bloom argues that American higher education has contributed to a decline in critical thinking and moral clarity by emphasizing relativism and subjective truth. Bloom suggests that students and society lack a firm foundation of enduring values, leading to cultural and intellectual stagnation. He advocates for re-engaging with classical philosophy and a more rigorous, serious pursuit of knowledge to foster genuine understanding and moral judgment. Overall, the book critiques modern education's failure to cultivate a deep, meaningful engagement with history, philosophy, and ethics.