Making the case for what a university could and should be

In 'The Anxious Generation', Jonathan Haidt examines the sudden decline in the mental health of adolescents starting in the early 2010s. He attributes this decline to the shift from a 'play-based childhood' to a 'phone-based childhood', highlighting mechanisms such as sleep deprivation, attention fragmentation, addiction, loneliness, social contagion, and perfectionism that interfere with children’s social and neurological development. Haidt proposes four simple rules to address this issue: no smartphones before high school, no social media before age 16, phone-free schools, and more opportunities for independence, free play, and responsibility. The book offers a clear call to action for parents, teachers, schools, tech companies, and governments to restore a more humane childhood and end the epidemic of mental illness among youth.

Written in 1951, God and Man at Yale is a critical examination of Yale University's undergraduate education by William F. Buckley Jr., who had just graduated from the institution. The book argues that Yale's faculty were undermining the university's founding ethos of Christian humanism by promoting atheism, collectivism, and Keynesian economics. Buckley criticized specific courses and professors for their hostility to religion and individualism, suggesting that this was a betrayal of the values held by Yale's alumni. The book is considered a seminal work in the American conservative movement and had a significant impact on Buckley's career and public profile.

Pensées is a collection of Pascal's philosophical and theological reflections on the nature of humanity and the existence of God. The work explores themes such as the limitations of reason, the search for meaning, and the human condition. Pascal argues that humans are caught between the finite and the infinite, and that only through faith in God can they find true happiness. He famously introduces the concept of Pascal's Wager, suggesting that it is rational to believe in God because the potential rewards outweigh the risks. The Pensées is considered a masterpiece of Christian apologetics and provides profound insights into the human search for meaning and purpose.

Written in 1605, *The Advancement of Learning* is a defense of learning against its detractors and a call to action for its advancement. Bacon addresses the limitations of traditional educational systems and advocates for a reformation in the pursuit of knowledge. He argues that knowledge should be used to improve human existence, not merely as an intellectual exercise. The work is divided into two books, the first critiquing the discredits of learning and the second providing a comprehensive survey of the domains of knowledge to be explored.

John Henry Newman's "The Idea of a University" is a seminal work on higher education, exploring the nature of knowledge, the role of universities in society, and the importance of a liberal education. Newman emphasizes the pursuit of truth for its own sake, arguing that universities should foster intellectual curiosity and critical thinking. He highlights the unity of knowledge, emphasizing the interconnectedness of various disciplines. The book remains highly influential in shaping discussions about the purpose and function of universities. It's a classic text for anyone interested in the philosophy of education.

The novel follows the lives of two Indian Muslims, Gibreel Farishta and Saladin Chamcha, who survive a plane hijacking and subsequent explosion. As they fall from the plane, they are transformed into angelic and satanic figures. The story delves into various themes, including the founding of Islam through the character Mahound, the story of a visionary girl named Ayesha, and the struggles of identity and faith. The book is known for its complex, multilayered plot and its use of dreams within dreams, which generated significant controversy due to its satirical and imaginative treatment of Islamic themes.