The Gardener and the Carpenter

An audiobook that dispels popular myths about parenting.

Another scientific argument in favor of the idea that children can direct their own learning.

How can we pass on traditions of our culture to children without imposing them—and giving the new generation a chance to move further by developing their own completely new values and pushing all of civilization forward? How do we make sure that raising a child doesn’t turn into exhausting, draining work and brings not only the feeling of duty fulfilled, but also joy? What should we do to avoid mistakes that will be very hard, if at all possible, to fix later? What if those mistakes have already been made? Alison Gopnik examines two fundamental approaches to the role of parents and the phenomenon of the “parenting” effect. According to the first, old approach—parents’ role is like that of carpenters: to “shape” children into future demanded and respected members of society. A more modern approach compares parents more like gardeners whose task is to create suitable conditions and allow children to grow on their own. But what difficulties await both parents and children along this path?