New Society Publishers – serie

John Taylor Gatto's Weapons of Mass Instruction, now available in paperback, focuses on mechanisms of traditional education that cripple imagination, discourage critical thinking, and create a false view of learning as a byproduct of rote-memorization drills. Gatto's earlier book, Dumbing Us Down, introduced the now-famous expression of the title into the common vernacular. Weapons of Mass Instruction adds another chilling metaphor to the brief against conventional schooling. Gatto demonstrates that the harm school inflicts is rational and deliberate. The real function of pedagogy, he argues, is to render the common population manageable. To that end, young people must be conditioned to rely upon experts, to remain divided from natural alliances, and to accept disconnections from their own lived experiences. They must at all costs be discouraged from developing self-reliance and independence. Escaping this trap requires strategy Gatto calls "open source learning" which imposes no artificial divisions between learning and life. Through this alternative approach, our children can avoid being indoctrinated-only then that can they achieve self-knowledge, judgment, and courage.John Taylor Gatto is an internationally renowned speaker who lectures widely on school reform. He taught for thirty years in public schools before resigning on the op-ed pages of The Wall Street Journal during the year he was named New York's official "Teacher of the Year." On April 3, 2008, the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard credited Gatto with adding the expression "dumbing us down" to the school debate worldwide.

Finding community is as critical as obtaining food and shelter, since the need to belong is what makes us human. The isolation and loneliness of modern life have led many people to search for deeper connection, which has resulted in a renewed interest in intentional communities. These intentional communities or ecovillages are an appealing choice for like-minded people who seek to create a family-oriented and ecologically sustainable lifestyle-a lifestyle they are unlikely to find anywhere else. However, the notion of an intentional community can still be a tremendous leap for some-deterred perhaps by a misguided vision of eking out a hardscrabble existence with little reward. In fact, successful ecovillages thrive because of the combined skills and resources of their members. Finding Community presents a thorough overview of ecovillages and intentional communities and offers solid advice on how to research thoroughly, visit thoughtfully, evaluate intelligently, and join gracefully.Useful considerations include: * Important questions to ask (of members and of yourself) * Signs of a healthy (and not-so-healthy) community * Cost of joining (and staying) * Common blunders to avoid Finding Community provides intriguing possibilities to readers who are seeking a more cooperative, sustainable, and meaningful life. Diana Leafe Christian is the author of Creating a Life Together and editor of Communities magazine. She lives at Earthhaven Ecovillage in North Carolina.

Welcome to the Commonsverse, a parallel social economy helping millions of commoners take charge and escape the predatory Market/State order.This completely revised and updated edition of Think Like a Commoner offers a succinct yet thorough account of the history and future of the commons.Working outside of both market capitalism and state power, commoners are deeply committed to developing local, practical solutions, social trust, and community. From relocalized agriculture to open-source learning, diverse types of commons — ecological, social, digital, urban — are building a decentralized Commonsverse. This parallel economy is powered by the peer governance of shared wealth; respectful engagement with the Earth; participation; and fairness.Widely respected activist and scholar David Bollier explores the full scope of the commons in contemporary life, including:A survey of successful commons initiatives, from shared land and water, to digital commons, mutual aid networks, alternative currencies, cohousing, and moreThe centuries-old cultural traditions, Indigenous practices, and historical folkways that gave rise to the modern commons Commons under siege – how enclosures of shared wealth through trade treaties, copyright and trademark law, commodification, privatization, and outright theft are dispossessing commoners and worsening inequalityUnderstanding the commons as a profoundly relational, living social organism that itself generates value.The Commonsverse is a dynamic, evolving socio-political space that is constantly being reimagined and rebuilt. Driven forward by worldwide networks of traditionalists and innovators working collaboratively outside of mainstream institutions, commoning constitutes a quiet revolution of real, functional alternatives. Pull up a chair, relax, and let's talk about the commons.

Anxiety, depression, self-harm, and teen suicide are rising sharply—youth mental health issues have increased over 60% in the past decade. In Kids These Days, experts Will Dobud, PhD and Nevin Harper, PhD reveal why today's kids are struggling and what adults must do differently.  Endorsed by Paris Hilton, Dr. Bruce D. Perry, and Alex Hutchinson, this research-based guide delivers practical strategies for building resilience, connection, and autonomy in the next generation.What You'll Learn Why anxiety, depression, and behavioral challenges are symptoms, not root causesHow overprotection, screen time, disconnection, and adult interference affect youth mental healthInsights from 20+ years of clinical experience and adolescent psychology for raising emotionally resilient teensWhy traditional talk therapy, diagnoses, and medication often miss the markHow to build trust, connection, and autonomy with kids—even in crisisWhy This Book Stands Out Written by practitioners with decades of experience in outdoor therapy, youth work, and trauma-informed careGrounded in research and filled with expert insights from parenting and psychology professionalsOffers practical strategies parents, educators, and youth mentors can apply immediatelyA refreshing alternative to books that pathologize or try to "fix" kidsEndorsed by Leading Voices "This is a crucial read for anyone living or working with children and youth. Highly recommended." — Dr. Bruce D. Perry, co-author of What Happened to You? "A fresh, provocative look at the challenges facing our kids in today's world." — Alex Hutchinson, New York Times bestselling author of Endure Perfect for readers of The Anxious Generation, Hold On to Your Kids, and Free-Range Kids. Whether you're a parent, teacher, youth worker, or therapist, Kids These Days will change how you see the next generation—and your role in helping them thrive.Our kids aren't broken. But the system is. Let's change the story. Buy Kids These Days today—your guide to raising strong, connected, and capable young people.AWARDSFINALIST | 2025 Forward INDIES - Family & RelationshipsSILVER | 2026 IPPY Awards - Psychology/Mental Health