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Not a Daycare: Why a Coddled Nation is a Crippled Nation
What has happened to the American spirit? We've gone from "Give me liberty, or give me death!" to "Take care of me, please." Our colleges were once bastions of free speech; now they're bastions of speech codes. Our culture once rewarded independence; now it rewards victimhood. Parents once taught their kids how to fend for themselves; now, any parent who tries may get a visit from the police.
In Not a Day Care, Dr. Everett Piper, president of Oklahoma Wesleyan University and author of the viral essay, "This Is Not a Day Care. It's a University!," takes a hard look at what's happening around the country--including the demand for "safe spaces" and trigger warnings at universities like Yale, Brandeis, and Oberlin--and digs in his heels against the sad and dangerous infantilization of the American spirit.
In Not a Day Care, Dr. Everett Piper, president of Oklahoma Wesleyan University and author of the viral essay, "This Is Not a Day Care. It's a University!," takes a hard look at what's happening around the country--including the demand for "safe spaces" and trigger warnings at universities like Yale, Brandeis, and Oberlin--and digs in his heels against the sad and dangerous infantilization of the American spirit.
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Published November 5, 2017
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About the author
Everett Piper
10 books16 followersEverett Piper has had a lengthy career in college administration, serving as vice president for advancement at Grace College & Seminary in Indiana, dean of students at Greenville College in Illinois, and vice president for student development at Spring Arbor University in Michigan. From August 2002 until his retirement in May of 2019 he was President of Oklahoma Wesleyan University. He is a contributing columnist for The Washington Times and author of the viral op-ed, "This is Not a Daycare, It's a University." He hosts a podcast called The Rebellion and is a popular guest on various news programs and as a speaker.
He and his wife Marci have two sons.
He and his wife Marci have two sons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
October 19, 2017
Such an important read and definitely a re-read for me in the near future. Every page just has something rich to offer in regards to what is happening in our universities. This book is written by an academic no doubt, but with the wonderful gift of being a communicator. It's very readable and rich at the same time. In short I totally agree with this book.....we've sacrificed truth and we're not better for it. Certainly not our university students. I gave this book a 5 star rating because the thoughts conveyed in this book are probably the best I've read on the topic of "safe spaces" and the manufactured fragile ego's of many young adults. I've loved this quote from pg. 122.
"Ideas have consequences. Education will always lead somewhere--either toward the liberty found in that which is right and just and real, or toward the slavery and ugly hell made of our own dysfunction. As C.S. Lewis states, "All your life long you are slowly turning...either into a heavenly creature or into a hellish creature: either into [one who] is in harmony with God...or one that is in a state of war and hatred with God...To be the one kind of creature is heaven: that is, it is joy and peace and knowledge and power [and liberty]. To be the other means madness...[and slavery]."
"Ideas have consequences. Education will always lead somewhere--either toward the liberty found in that which is right and just and real, or toward the slavery and ugly hell made of our own dysfunction. As C.S. Lewis states, "All your life long you are slowly turning...either into a heavenly creature or into a hellish creature: either into [one who] is in harmony with God...or one that is in a state of war and hatred with God...To be the one kind of creature is heaven: that is, it is joy and peace and knowledge and power [and liberty]. To be the other means madness...[and slavery]."
January 9, 2018
Excellent book dealing with current issues & higher education. If you still have children at home it would be a good idea to read this so you will have a proper understanding of what your children will (& maybe already have) encounter. You will also be better prepared to help your child to learn to think for themselves & to be able to withstand the current stream of illogical craziness they must navigate in life.
June 14, 2018
Everett Piper, the president of Oklahoma Wesleyan University, is on the front lines of the battle for traditional Christian ideals, values, and morality. I have spent almost two decades in universities and absolutely confirm he is not wrong about what transpires on campuses. Parents spend 18 years inculcating their values and morals in their children and send them to universities that, in a matter of weeks, undo that upbringing, disparaging religious --and many empirical-- truth claims, normalizing debauchery, bacchanals, "sex weeks" and even sex apps (egads, U Oregon; cut its funding!), and engendering socialism and a postmodern nihilism, all of which the parents are paying for, often unaware. The "self-refuting duplicity" demonstrated by students' claims, supported by faculty such as “I can’t tolerate your intolerance;” “I am sure nothing is sure;” “I know nothing can be known;” “It is absolutely true that there are not absolutes” are absurd and need to be unraveled, but at this point in time it is virtually impossible to point to the emperor with no clothes without being pilloried, that is, if anyone bothers to listen, which is dubious.
Piper says that college students should be challenged to grow in maturity and virtue, not be coddled and encouraged to give in to their baser instincts. It never ceases to astonish me when parents disagree with this. Worst of all are the wolves in shepherds' clothing, the religious universities that encourage or accept such behavior. What happened to mission alignment? They're more concerned with ensuring enrollment numbers than preserving their religious identity. Oklahoma Wesleyan proves that it is possible to do both. In fact, people seek out institutions that maintain high standards.
Piper is quite strident. Before paying the bill for any university, he urges parents to ask its president about her/his view of Scripture (only acceptable answer: the inerrant, infallible, authoritative Word of God) and of truth, (self-evident and objective and based in scripture). He has subsequently added questions about marriage (only between a man and woman) and life (determined by God alone).
Piper makes his points clearly and supports them well from his conservative Christian perspective. It is a fact that the USA was founded by people seeking the freedom to follow the dictates of their conscience, yet that, in some religious practitioners' view, is becoming more difficult to do here. They have my sincere sympathy.
For my part, I have a different view of religious scriptures and truth claims, but I am deeply concerned by the ubiquitous promotion by college leadership of abject debauchery and intolerance of divergent thinking and traditional values on college campuses, the imposition of orthodox liberal groupthink, and the postmodern sensibilities that give rise to a post-truth era. Where is the pursuit of that which is virtuous, true, courageous, just, temperate, wise, self-sacrificing, and transcendent? These are universal values, but there are not to be found on most college campuses. The students are otherwise occupied with their own pleasure (lazy river, climbing walls, alcohol fueled parties, etc.) and protecting their self righteous opinions from challenge by empiricism or any other competing claims. Piper is correct that universities (which one wag recently called hedge funds with a library attached) must reassess and realign with their higher purpose, which in some fields is job training, and in the liberal arts is the pursuit of universal values. Turning to conservative Christianity is not going to save them. I wonder what will.
Piper says that college students should be challenged to grow in maturity and virtue, not be coddled and encouraged to give in to their baser instincts. It never ceases to astonish me when parents disagree with this. Worst of all are the wolves in shepherds' clothing, the religious universities that encourage or accept such behavior. What happened to mission alignment? They're more concerned with ensuring enrollment numbers than preserving their religious identity. Oklahoma Wesleyan proves that it is possible to do both. In fact, people seek out institutions that maintain high standards.
Piper is quite strident. Before paying the bill for any university, he urges parents to ask its president about her/his view of Scripture (only acceptable answer: the inerrant, infallible, authoritative Word of God) and of truth, (self-evident and objective and based in scripture). He has subsequently added questions about marriage (only between a man and woman) and life (determined by God alone).
Piper makes his points clearly and supports them well from his conservative Christian perspective. It is a fact that the USA was founded by people seeking the freedom to follow the dictates of their conscience, yet that, in some religious practitioners' view, is becoming more difficult to do here. They have my sincere sympathy.
For my part, I have a different view of religious scriptures and truth claims, but I am deeply concerned by the ubiquitous promotion by college leadership of abject debauchery and intolerance of divergent thinking and traditional values on college campuses, the imposition of orthodox liberal groupthink, and the postmodern sensibilities that give rise to a post-truth era. Where is the pursuit of that which is virtuous, true, courageous, just, temperate, wise, self-sacrificing, and transcendent? These are universal values, but there are not to be found on most college campuses. The students are otherwise occupied with their own pleasure (lazy river, climbing walls, alcohol fueled parties, etc.) and protecting their self righteous opinions from challenge by empiricism or any other competing claims. Piper is correct that universities (which one wag recently called hedge funds with a library attached) must reassess and realign with their higher purpose, which in some fields is job training, and in the liberal arts is the pursuit of universal values. Turning to conservative Christianity is not going to save them. I wonder what will.
April 25, 2018
I probably should have done a bit more screening before buying this book. The author does a decent job of relating the *absolute insanity* that pervades our college campuses these days- the safe zones, trigger warnings, microaggressions, the coddling, the hypocrisy of tolerance and inclusion, and the complete and vehement rejection of any differing opinions. But I did not realize that this book was heavily influenced by religion. That's not an anti-religion statement, but I just don't think that the way to fix all those problems is by reliance on scripture and faith. So, much of the book fell short for me in that regard.
August 29, 2017
Very Disappointing
This book started well, but drifted into nothingness. It seems true (To me, at least) that colleges have lost their way. I saw it in my graduate students and we see examples regularly in the press. Colleges have always been places for radicals, especially since the sixties. But today they seem to be churning out adolescents who are unprepared for reality. That being said, this book offers no real insight into causes, and proposes no workable solutions. It's just whining from another direction.
This book started well, but drifted into nothingness. It seems true (To me, at least) that colleges have lost their way. I saw it in my graduate students and we see examples regularly in the press. Colleges have always been places for radicals, especially since the sixties. But today they seem to be churning out adolescents who are unprepared for reality. That being said, this book offers no real insight into causes, and proposes no workable solutions. It's just whining from another direction.
March 1, 2019
It was a very catchy beginning, and I liked a lot of what he has to say… It got a little preachy at the end, and somewhat repetitive so he started to drag a little after the halfway point in the book for me, but otherwise, it’s still a solid read.
October 19, 2021
Okay, this book has me torn, yes it was very amusing to read about adult American college students having "safe spaces" with coloring books, play dough and videos of puppies to get trough school, but it is also alarming to know that they are to be the future generation believing they can move on as adults in life without ever having to hear "No. your wrong" or "No, you can't do that".
It was also interesting to read about how America handles this new cancel-culture environment they have in schools right now, as it seems to be in America where this problem is most prominent.
The author, who is a Christian, this is important because he is gonna base a lot of his points on his religious beliefs, which I dont mind since I like hearing viewpoints that differ from my own however he comes of as very hypocritical sometimes, an example is he preaches that debate should be free in pursuit of truth, but he teaches at a Christian school and this is a sentence from the book about debates on their campus:
"We welcome debate within the confines, and the boundaries in a search for truth" which to me seems to imply that they then dont welcome ALL debate. Another quote:
"As a Christian scholar i believe the best education is an education in truth as opposed to safety is grounded in scripture and in the timeless revelation of the self-evident truths endowed to us by our creator in the laws of nature and in natures God " which also makes me suspect that viewpoints speaking against Christianity for example would not be welcome on their campus, and therefore is not "welcoming ALL speech."
A quote that left a VERY BAD taste in my mouth was when he compared the train in the movie "Polar Express" to the train to Auschwitz, this is quotes from the book:
Talking about The Polar express:
"Near the end of the movie the conductor turns to the boy and says: the one thing about trains its doesn't matter where you are going what matters is deciding to get on."
And then he goes on with:
"Another movie also features a train ride this train however was not leading to the magical snow fields sky of the north pole but instead to the horror of Auschwitz. Steven Spielbergs Schindler s list demonstrates that it does indeed matter which train one chooses to get on.".
The fact that he wrote "CHOOSES to get on" when talking about the train to Auschwitz is incomprehensible to me. Seems like he just wanted to get across a cheap shock value point.
In short as a European reading this book: America is wild.
It was also interesting to read about how America handles this new cancel-culture environment they have in schools right now, as it seems to be in America where this problem is most prominent.
The author, who is a Christian, this is important because he is gonna base a lot of his points on his religious beliefs, which I dont mind since I like hearing viewpoints that differ from my own however he comes of as very hypocritical sometimes, an example is he preaches that debate should be free in pursuit of truth, but he teaches at a Christian school and this is a sentence from the book about debates on their campus:
"We welcome debate within the confines, and the boundaries in a search for truth" which to me seems to imply that they then dont welcome ALL debate. Another quote:
"As a Christian scholar i believe the best education is an education in truth as opposed to safety is grounded in scripture and in the timeless revelation of the self-evident truths endowed to us by our creator in the laws of nature and in natures God " which also makes me suspect that viewpoints speaking against Christianity for example would not be welcome on their campus, and therefore is not "welcoming ALL speech."
A quote that left a VERY BAD taste in my mouth was when he compared the train in the movie "Polar Express" to the train to Auschwitz, this is quotes from the book:
Talking about The Polar express:
"Near the end of the movie the conductor turns to the boy and says: the one thing about trains its doesn't matter where you are going what matters is deciding to get on."
And then he goes on with:
"Another movie also features a train ride this train however was not leading to the magical snow fields sky of the north pole but instead to the horror of Auschwitz. Steven Spielbergs Schindler s list demonstrates that it does indeed matter which train one chooses to get on.".
The fact that he wrote "CHOOSES to get on" when talking about the train to Auschwitz is incomprehensible to me. Seems like he just wanted to get across a cheap shock value point.
In short as a European reading this book: America is wild.
September 18, 2017
This is clearly the best non-fiction book I have read this year. Everyone would be wise to read it
November 21, 2018
This book is strongly and unapologetically conservative and evangelical. But even if you are in the opposing camp, there are many thought provoking views that, if given some honest and open thought, could promote some much needed dialogue. Views like: You cannot fight perceived bigotry with more bigotry, nor can you fight perceived intolerance with added intolerance. Views like: Failure to train our kids to consider, or at least tolerate opposing views breeds a culture that is intolerant of opposing views (at best) and left feeling victimized by opposing views (at worst.) In short, it breeds a culture that is ill-equipped to face the real world with anything other than self-elevation and entitlement. This book is worth digesting, no matter what your vantage point.
April 3, 2018
One of the most inspirational book I have read. More importantly it has the truest view or our current society and the very best answer to dealing with the evil in it.
Our schools, from kindergarten to graduate school are being overtaken by left wing people who are, hopefully unintentionally, teaching our kids to be self-centered cry-babies.
Even if you disagree with that statement you will learn tons about society and why it is the way it is. If you have a kid starting to think about college do that child, your family, and the whole country a big favor by reading this book and discussing it with your family!
Our schools, from kindergarten to graduate school are being overtaken by left wing people who are, hopefully unintentionally, teaching our kids to be self-centered cry-babies.
Even if you disagree with that statement you will learn tons about society and why it is the way it is. If you have a kid starting to think about college do that child, your family, and the whole country a big favor by reading this book and discussing it with your family!
September 30, 2018
The irony inherent in the point of view expressed is overwhelming. The author wishes for a return to a liberal and classical education, one that involves debate and philosophical musings, yet consistently rejects the ideas philosophers present by insisting that there is only objective truth, one that revolves around God alone.
A truly liberal education involves struggling to find truth, to define good and evil - or to consider that there may be shades of grey. He continuously cherry picks from news articles and sources to support his views. What happened to debate?
A truly liberal education involves struggling to find truth, to define good and evil - or to consider that there may be shades of grey. He continuously cherry picks from news articles and sources to support his views. What happened to debate?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2021
Audible.com 5 hours and 42 min. Narrated by John McLain
See Carolyn Kost's Goodreads review from June 13, 2018 for an excellent summary and opinion.
See Carolyn Kost's Goodreads review from June 13, 2018 for an excellent summary and opinion.
December 9, 2021
I've heard a lot of these talking points and arguments before, they are compelling to a lot of people, though since I've seen the things described play out in college and in various new outlets raging about these points, the problem I have with this book is that it's still unclear to me what this book's call to action is. No matter if you are on the left or right side of the political isle (or somewhere in between), I cannot see this book being helpful unless this is the first time you've ever heard these arguments and this information which is unlikely. If you agree with the book, there's not really much new information it provides and doesn't give suggestions as to what to do about it except for, be picky about where you end up paying your tuition and which college you attend and then pray. If you disagree, this book will likely not change your mind, it doesn't really ease anyone with the opposite opinion into it, it also has a frustrated tone like a lot of political pieces do. I'm disappointed that this book doesn't seem to have a lot of nuance, does that mean it's horrible? No, it's not bad, it just isn't great either.
September 26, 2017
Truth About Academia in Our Society
Dr. Piper's well written and accurate views of Academia and our current students and facilities should be a wake-up to them. Having taught as an instructor at a local liberal arts college, I found Doctor Piper to be "spot on" with his views. During a recent discussion with a scientist from a prestigious American company, he told that the majority of new hires are unable to" cut it. I am truly concerned for America's future in the hands of our coloring book snowflakes. God's truth never changes. We must face life honestly, it is not a fairy tale.
Dr. Piper's well written and accurate views of Academia and our current students and facilities should be a wake-up to them. Having taught as an instructor at a local liberal arts college, I found Doctor Piper to be "spot on" with his views. During a recent discussion with a scientist from a prestigious American company, he told that the majority of new hires are unable to" cut it. I am truly concerned for America's future in the hands of our coloring book snowflakes. God's truth never changes. We must face life honestly, it is not a fairy tale.
November 7, 2021
A NONAPOLOGETIC DISCOURSE ON THE STATE OF OUR EDUCATION SYSTEMS, ESPEICALLY THOSE OF HIGHER LEARNING, AND THE DANGERS WE FACE IF WE CONTINUE IN THE DIRECTION OF ABANDONING TRUTH. DR. PIPER SHARES HIS PERSONAL EXPERIENCE ALONG WITH COUNTLESS EXAMPLES OF HOW FAR OFF THE TRACKS WE HAVE COME IN THIS COUNTRY IN HOW WE VIEW RELEVANT CULTURAL ISSUES, PRO-WOMEN, GENDER, RACE, SEX, FREEDOM OF THOUGHT AND SPEECH, THE ROLE OF THE CHURCH AND CHRISTIAN EDUCATION. A MUST READ FOR THOSE THAT FEEL WE ARE LOSING ANOTHER GENERATION OF KIDS AND IN FACT ARE LOSING THE CUTURAL WAR AND THE ATTACK ON CHRISTIAN VALUES AND ETHICS.
January 6, 2018
My blog on Monday discusses ideas from this book.
Piper explains the state of America's college campuses today, and it's not a pretty picture.
The book is important. When we aren't on campus regularly, we don't realize what a different kind of world it can be. Here is a window into America's campuses currently.
Piper mentions Oklahoma Wesleyan University frequently in the first half of the book--almost to the point of seeming like a commercial.
Hang in. As I said the book is important.
Piper explains the state of America's college campuses today, and it's not a pretty picture.
The book is important. When we aren't on campus regularly, we don't realize what a different kind of world it can be. Here is a window into America's campuses currently.
Piper mentions Oklahoma Wesleyan University frequently in the first half of the book--almost to the point of seeming like a commercial.
Hang in. As I said the book is important.
May 16, 2018
Must read for those who love the next generation
How have we gotten to this place where everyone is so easily offended and no one is willing to listen to the other side? This book spells out the traps we have fallen into, the current state of affairs in American colleges and what is required to right the ship.
How have we gotten to this place where everyone is so easily offended and no one is willing to listen to the other side? This book spells out the traps we have fallen into, the current state of affairs in American colleges and what is required to right the ship.
May 22, 2018
A very much needed book for a time such as this. Dr. Piper is direct, and often times blunt. In all honesty, this is the truth that needs to be said in a culture with a macabre fascination with fascist doctrines. Christian or not, read this book and wrestle with the statements within. Don’t let your college safe spaces keep you from growing in knowledge and maturity.
July 25, 2022
This book goes into great detail by a college professor about what he thinks is wrong with the upcoming generation, especially when it comes to behavior on college campuses. Piper does a great job explaining why the coddling of our kids is creating a week future generation and will ultimately lead to destruction of the nation.
August 13, 2017
Interesting look at what has happened to our higher education system, but gets a little high-and-mighty at the end.
September 8, 2017
A great reminder as we send our son to university next year. Coddling and low expectations won't help him achieve success.
September 8, 2017
Bold, honest and refreshing!
November 25, 2017
This book started out very strongly but ultimately ended up a disappointment when the author started injecting too many of his personal feelings and beliefs. DNF
September 23, 2019
Not for the PC crowd. How schools went from education to indoctrination.
September 6, 2020
I could not put this book down. Every parent needs to read it - especially those getting ready to send their kids off to college. It’s a wake up cal for parents.
February 24, 2021
Applause for sticking your neck out.
July 15, 2021
Excellent book. Much needed for this day and age.
August 14, 2021
>>Audiobook Read by John McLain
app 6hrs
app 6hrs
December 25, 2024
Although this book discusses the state of academia today and raises some valid questions, it ultimately serves as Christian propaganda and fails to provide answers to the questions it poses.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews