Jonathan Haidt

Jonathan Haidt is an American social psychologist and author whose influential books explore the moral foundations of human behaviour, the psychology of political division, and the impact of technology on mental health. He is one of the most widely read and debated public intellectuals in the world. Born in New York City in 1963, Haidt studied philosophy at Yale University and earned his PhD in psychology from the University of Pennsylvania. He is the Thomas Cooley Professor of Ethical Leadership at New York University's Stern School of Business. The Happiness Hypothesis: Finding Modern Truth in Ancient Wisdom (2006) explored what psychological research reveals about the age-old question of how to live a good life. The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion (2012) was his most influential academic work, arguing that moral judgments are driven more by intuition than by rational deliberation, and that liberals and conservatives have different moral foundations — insights that help explain political polarisation without demonising either side. The Coddling of the American Mind (2018), co-written with Greg Lukianoff, argued that overprotective parenting and campus culture were making young people more fragile. The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness (2024) made the case that smartphones and social media are fundamentally reshaping childhood, contributing to rising rates of anxiety, depression, and self-harm among young people. The book became a major bestseller and sparked global debate about children's access to technology. The audiobook editions of Haidt's books are compelling, with clear narration that makes complex psychological and sociological arguments accessible. His books and audiobooks are essential for anyone trying to understand why we disagree, how technology is changing us, and what we can do about it.