Strength of Mind: Courage, Hope, Freedom, Knowledge

The Strength of Mind by Jacob Goodson is a groundbreaking book that offers a fresh perspective on higher education in the 21st century.

By combining philosophical insights from American Transcendentalism, German Idealism, Jewish philosophy, neo-pragmatism, post-modern theories about pedagogy, and secular accounts of perfectionism, Goodson provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the role of courage and hope in higher education. The book argues that these four concepts are essential for cultivating the intellectual virtues required for enjoying ordinary life.

By shifting from moral perfectionism to rational perfectionism, students can keep impossible demands in view while striving for their "unattained but attainable self." Goodson's arguments are both disciplined and creative, making this book a must-read for anyone interested in the future of higher education.