Excellent Sheep

What's Excellent Sheep about?

• Critique of Elite Education: Excellent Sheep by William Deresiewicz critiques the American elite education system, focusing on prestigious institutions like Harvard and Yale. It argues that these schools produce students who are academically accomplished but lack intellectual curiosity and a sense of purpose.
• Impact on Students: The book discusses how the pressure to succeed leads to anxiety, depression, and a lack of genuine self-discovery among students. Many students feel like "excellent sheep," conforming to societal expectations without questioning their own desires.
• Call for Change: Deresiewicz advocates for a rethinking of education, urging a shift from a focus on credentials and status to one that prioritizes personal growth and meaningful learning experiences.

Why should I read Excellent Sheep by William Deresiewicz?

• Insightful Perspective: The book offers a unique perspective on the pressures faced by high-achieving students in elite institutions, making it relevant for students, parents, and educators alike. It challenges conventional wisdom surrounding success and education.
• Encourages Self-Reflection: Deresiewicz encourages readers to reflect on their own educational experiences and the societal values that shape them, prompting critical thinking about the purpose of education beyond mere job preparation.
• Timely Discussion: In an era where student mental health is a growing concern, Excellent Sheep addresses the emotional toll of the current educational system, making it a timely read for anyone interested in reforming education.

What are the key takeaways of Excellent Sheep?

• Education vs. Success: Deresiewicz distinguishes between education and success, arguing that the current system forces students to choose between genuine learning and the pursuit of status and wealth.
• Importance of Solitude: The book emphasizes the value of solitude and introspection for personal growth, suggesting that students need time alone to develop their thoughts and identities.
• Rethinking Meritocracy: Deresiewicz critiques the idea of meritocracy, suggesting it perpetuates inequality and fails to provide a meaningful education, calling for a reevaluation of what it means to be successful in society.

What are the best quotes from Excellent Sheep and what do they mean?

• "So are you saying that we’re all just, like, really excellent sheep?": This quote encapsulates the central theme, highlighting how students conform to societal expectations without questioning their own paths, reflecting a loss of individuality.
• "Education is the way that a society articulates its values.": This quote emphasizes the role of education in shaping societal norms and values, arguing that the current system fails to promote critical thinking and self-discovery.
• "Passion finds you, you don’t find it.": This quote highlights the idea that true passion and purpose in life emerge through experience and exploration, rather than through forced decisions or societal expectations.

What does William Deresiewicz mean by "excellent sheep"?

• Conformity in Education: "Excellent sheep" refers to students who excel academically but lack independent thought and self-awareness, driven by external pressures rather than internal motivations.
• Emotional Toll: These students often experience anxiety and depression due to the relentless pursuit of success, leading to a stunted sense of purpose and identity.
• Need for Change: The concept critiques the educational system that produces such students, calling for a shift towards fostering genuine curiosity and personal growth.

How does Excellent Sheep address mental health issues among students?

• Rising Anxiety and Depression: Deresiewicz cites studies showing that mental health issues among college students have reached epidemic levels, connecting these issues to the pressures of elite education.
• Isolation and Loneliness: The competitive environment of elite schools fosters isolation, making it difficult for students to form meaningful relationships, exacerbating mental health problems.
• Call for Support: Deresiewicz advocates for better mental health support systems within colleges, emphasizing the need for institutions to recognize and address the emotional struggles of their students.

What specific advice does Excellent Sheep offer for students?

• Take Time Off: Deresiewicz advises students to take time off before, during, or after college to gain perspective and explore their interests, helping them develop skills and discover true passions.
• Limit Parental Involvement: He encourages students to establish independence from their parents, particularly in college, by limiting communication and making personal decisions without parental pressure.
• Engage in Self-Discovery: The book advocates for students to pursue experiences that may not be resume-worthy but are enriching and fulfilling, believing that wandering and exploring can lead to personal growth.

How does Excellent Sheep define leadership?

• Leadership as Climbing the Ladder: Deresiewicz critiques the current understanding of leadership in elite institutions, which often equates to achieving high status or titles, lacking substance and social responsibility.
• Call for Thoughtful Leadership: He advocates for a model of leadership that involves critical thinking and questioning authority, believing true leaders should challenge the status quo and work for the common good.
• Emphasis on Character: Leadership should be rooted in character and moral courage, rather than mere ambition or the pursuit of power, prioritizing service and community.

What does Excellent Sheep say about the role of the liberal arts?

• Foundation for Critical Thinking: Deresiewicz argues that a liberal arts education is essential for developing critical thinking skills and creativity, preparing students for complex challenges.
• Valuable in the Workforce: The book highlights that employers value skills gained from a liberal arts education, such as communication and problem-solving, which are increasingly important in today’s job market.
• Encourages Lifelong Learning: The liberal arts teach students how to learn and adapt, crucial in a rapidly changing world, with adaptability being more valuable than specific vocational training.

How does Excellent Sheep address social inequality in education?

• Reproducing Class Systems: Deresiewicz discusses how elite education perpetuates social inequality by favoring affluent students, providing statistics showing a disproportionate number of students at top colleges come from wealthy backgrounds.
• Need for Systemic Change: The book calls for reforms in the admissions process to prioritize socioeconomic diversity, arguing for class-based affirmative action rather than solely race-based measures.
• Importance of Public Education: He advocates for strengthening public education systems to ensure all students have access to quality education, believing a robust public education system is essential for promoting social mobility.

What are the consequences of the current elite education system, according to Excellent Sheep?

• Mental Health Issues: The pressure to succeed in elite institutions often leads to anxiety, depression, and burnout among students, emphasizing the need for a more balanced approach to education.
• Lack of Genuine Learning: The focus on grades and achievements detracts from meaningful learning experiences, with students often prioritizing resume-building over intellectual curiosity and personal growth.
• Isolation from Society: Elite education creates a disconnect between students and the broader society, leading to a lack of empathy and understanding of the challenges faced by others.

What is the overall message of Excellent Sheep?

• Rethink Education’s Purpose: Deresiewicz calls for a fundamental rethinking of the purpose of education, advocating for a system that prioritizes personal growth and social responsibility over mere achievement.
• Challenge the Status Quo: The book encourages readers to question existing educational and social systems that perpetuate inequality and mediocrity, believing change is possible through collective action and a commitment to justice.
• Embrace the Journey: Excellent Sheep emphasizes the importance of embracing the journey of self-discovery and learning, arguing that a meaningful life is built on exploration, curiosity, and a commitment to understanding oneself and the world.