An article by David Brooks in the Weekly Standard is basically a series of observations culled from some time he's spent recently at a few of America's elite universities. I like this one:

The single most striking – if hard to define – difference between college campuses today and college campuses 20 years ago is in the nature and character of the female students. They are not only self-confident socially. They are self-confident academically, athletically, organizationally, and in every other way.... in my discussions with student groups there were always several women who projected authority with a grace that was almost jaw-dropping. These women – who were born around 1982 remember – appeared uninhibited by any notion that they shouldn't assert themselves for fear of appearing unfeminine or that they should overexert themselves to prove their feminist bona fides. Those considerations appeared irrelevant to their lives.

The world Brooks is describing is the only one I know, but it's worth remembering that things haven't always been this way. And then there's the downside. When confidence is a credential, self-doubt isn't allowed. If you're not 100% sure you belong here, you probably don't.



Brooks also has some observations on the new meritocracy, which he calls "an intricate network of achievement-enhancement devices." Here at YLS, we call it "the treadmill."

[T]he system doesn't necessarily reward brains; it rewards energy. The ones who thrive are the ones who can keep going from one activity to another, from music, to science, to sports, to community service, to the library, and so on without rest. To get into a competitive school, you need a hyperactive thyroid as much as high intelligence.

Finally, Kate will appreciate Brooks' opinion that Yale is "the best school in America."

You have read the best review article categorized by and the title . You can bookmark or spread this post by using this URL http://kitchencabinetorganizerplans.blogspot.com/2013/12/an-article-by-david-brooks-in-weekly.html. Thank You!