On Thinking for Yourself (Instinct, Education, Dissension)

Seven essays that make the compelling case for coming to your own informed conclusions in an age of extremes. An Atlantic Edition, featuring long-form journalism by Atlantic writers, drawn from contemporary articles or classic storytelling from the magazine’s 165-year archive.

Caitlin Flanagan’s two decades of celebrated reporting and commentary at The Atlantic span an array of subjects—from cancer to fraternities, abortion to scammers—but always return to one central question: What happens when we suppress our critical instincts and shut our ears to opposing opinions and competing facts? With poise, humor, and an analytical acumen unlike any other working journalist, this collection of deep reporting and cultural commentary encourages readers to dismantle their echo chambers—whether they be social media feeds or lecture halls—and embrace disagreement.