This book is a must for those who wish to seek further understanding as to why the system of education in this country is so flawed. Backed with plenty of research Sowell makes the case that our system of education in the United States needs to be fixed. Topics include impaired faculty, dogma and brainwashing, as well as problems within the college and university level. I highly suggest this book.

This is not a book to read for consolation. The older religions are for that. This is a book to read if you have finally come to the conclusion, however reluctantly, that life is pretty much a disappointment. Dienstag's pessimism is not a personal attitude, but a noble philosophy, grounded in reason and observation, and practiced by some of the greatest thinkers in history. Optimists get us into trouble by creating all kinds of difficulties today for some future Good. Pessimists, on the other hand, are for creating the best possible world for all of us today, because the future is uncertain, and history has shown time and again that man's nature is hardly something to count on when predicting rosy outcomes. Pessimism is a philosophy for people who have the courage to face life head-on and not live in feel-good dream worlds concocted by individuals whose fear of death ruins everything. Dientsag's discussion of Schopenhauer alone is one of the most satisfying experiences I have ever had reading anything. Like Schopenhauer says, finding joy in human life is like finding gold in Australia. You find it when you least expect it, in the most unlikely places, but always infrequently, and never in any great quantity. This book on pessimism is, ironically, one of those moments of joy. In Joshua Dienstag, you will find joy in the companionship of a civilized mind.