The Case Against Education

In 'The Case Against Education,' Bryan Caplan argues that the current education system fails to equip students with useful skills, focusing instead on signaling social status. He provocatively suggests that education serves more as a mechanism for credentialing than as a genuine learning experience. Caplan critiques the widespread belief that more education equates to higher economic success, exploring the disconnect between schooling and practical knowledge. With engaging statistics and thought-provoking insights, he challenges the conventional narrative of education’s value in society. This book sparks a crucial conversation about reforming education for a more productive future.

By Bryan Caplan

Published: 2019

"Education doesn't teach you useful skills; it teaches you to signal your intelligence and diligence to employers."

The Case Against EducationBook binding

Start Listening

0:000:00

What Readers Say About This Book

"With a new afterword by the author"--Cover.

About the Author

B

Bryan Caplan

Bryan Caplan is an American economist, professor, and author, known for his engaging and often provocative writing style that combines rigorous economic theory with accessible language. He is a professor of economics at George Mason University and a senior scholar at the Mercatus Center. Caplan’s notable works include "The Myth of the Rational Voter," where he argues that voters are often ill-informed and biased in their decision-making, and "Selfish Reasons to Have More Kids," which presents a contrarian perspective on parenting and fertility. He is also the author of "Open Borders: The Science and Ethics of Immigration," advocating for the free movement of people. Through his books and articles, Caplan challenges conventional wisdom and encourages readers to think critically about economic policies and social issues.

Book Details

Key information about the book.

Authors
Bryan Caplan
Published
August 2019
Publisher
Princeton University Press
ISBN
0691196451
Language
English
Pages
N/A
Genres
Business and EconomicsSocial CommentaryEducational Books

Purchase Options

Amazon logoBuy on Amazon
BookShop logoBuy via BookShop

Support local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!

Similar books you might like →

GenomeBook binding

Genome

Matt Ridley

Charlie MungerBook binding

Charlie Munger

Tren Griffin

Hatching TwitterBook binding

Hatching Twitter

Nick Bilton

Selling Free EnterpriseBook binding

Selling Free Enterprise

Elizabeth A. Fones-Wolf

FreakonomicsBook binding

Freakonomics

Steven D. Levitt, Stephen J. Dubner

Clearer, Closer, BetterBook binding

Clearer, Closer, Better

Emily Balcetis

Shook OneBook binding

Shook One

Charlamagne Tha God

BuyologyBook binding

Buyology

Martin Lindstrom

Showing 8 of 29 similar books

Take your reading experience to the next level

Download our mobile app to enjoy your favorite books on the go. Get access to exclusive features, offline listening, and personalized recommendations.

Download on the App Store

Book Collections you might like →

Naval Ravikant's Book Recommendations

Naval Ravikant's Book Recommendations

Naval Ravikant is an entrepreneur, angel investor, and philosopher, best known as the co-founder of AngelList, a platform that connects startups with investors. Ravikant is a prolific thinker and writer on topics such as startups, investing, and personal well-being, sharing his wisdom through essays, podcasts, and social media. He has invested in over 100 companies, including Uber, Twitter, and Yammer, making him one of Silicon Valley’s most successful angel investors. Ravikant is also known for his philosophical musings on wealth, happiness, and the meaning of life, which have garnered him a large and dedicated following.

View Collection
Ana Fabrega's Book Recommendations

Ana Fabrega's Book Recommendations

Ana Lorena Fabrega is an innovative educator and author passionate about reimagining education. Known as “Ms. Fab,” she is the Chief Evangelist at Synthesis, an education startup inspired by the problem-solving and collaboration model used at SpaceX. She advocates for alternative learning methods, encouraging curiosity and creativity in students. Ana's work emphasizes the importance of engaging young learners in real-world challenges and critical thinking. She also shares insights on education reform through her popular newsletter, Fab Fridays.

View Collection
Patrick Collison's Book Recommendations

Patrick Collison's Book Recommendations

Patrick Collison is an Irish entrepreneur and co-founder of Stripe, a global technology company that enables businesses to accept online payments. Along with his brother John, Patrick has transformed Stripe into one of the most valuable private tech companies in the world. Stripe’s innovative approach to online payments has made it a key player in the financial technology space. Collison is known for his deep interest in science, technology, and policy, often engaging in conversations about innovation, progress, and how to improve societal outcomes. He is an advocate for scientific advancement and the intersection of technology and public policy.

View Collection
Barack Obama's Book Recommendations

Barack Obama's Book Recommendations

Barack Obama is the 44th President of the United States, serving from 2009 to 2017. As the first African American president, Obama’s leadership marked a historic moment in American history. His administration focused on healthcare reform, economic recovery from the Great Recession, and environmental policies. He is best known for the Affordable Care Act, as well as his efforts to expand civil rights and restore diplomatic relations with Cuba. Since leaving office, Obama has continued to engage in public life through his foundation, focusing on leadership development, civic engagement, and global issues.

View Collection
Diana Kimball's Book Recommendations

Diana Kimball's Book Recommendations

Diana Kimball is an entrepreneur, author, and founder of the mentorship platform Mentor List, which connects people looking for guidance with industry leaders. Kimball is a champion for personal and professional development, emphasizing the power of mentorship to foster growth and build meaningful connections. She has worked in product management and marketing roles at companies like Twitter and Microsoft, bringing her unique insights into tech and community building. Kimball also speaks and writes on topics related to leadership, career development, and the importance of empathy in the workplace. Her work has helped people build stronger networks and pursue their goals with purpose.

View Collection

Education doesn't teach you useful skills; it teaches you to signal your intelligence and diligence to employers.

The Case Against Education

By Bryan Caplan