In 2024, social psychologist Jonathan Haidt dominated bestseller lists and mental health discourse with The Anxious Generation. But this is far from his first major contribution to the public conversation. Here, we rank all of Haidt’s best books, according to their Goodreads ratings, to guide you to his most essential works.
The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
Goodreads Rating: 4.33 / 5
Published in 2024
Jonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation argues that the shift to a “phone-based childhood” is causing a youth mental health crisis. The book investigates the damage from smartphones and social media and proposes concrete solutions for parents and society to restore a healthier childhood.
The Coddling of the American Mind by Jonathan Haidt and Greg Lukianoff
Goodreads Rating: 4.23 / 5
Published in 2018
Jonathan Haidt and Greg Lukianoff argue that well-intentioned but harmful cultural trends, “safetyism” and the promotion of three “Great Untruths”, are crippling Gen Z’s resilience. They show how overprotection on campus and in childhood hinders development and fuels division, anxiety, and an inability to cope.
The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt
Goodreads Rating: 4.20 / 5
Published in 2012
Jonathan Haidt argues that morality is based on intuitive “gut feelings,” not reason, and that political divisions stem from differing moral foundations. He explains how liberals, conservatives, and libertarians prioritize these foundations differently, urging a move beyond anger to understand the psychology of our irreconcilable differences.
The Happiness Hypothesis by Jonathan Haidt
Goodreads Rating: 4.09 / 5
Published in 2006
In The Happiness Hypothesis, Jonathan Haidt examines ten ideas from ancient philosophical wisdom, testing them against modern psychology to discover what truly leads to a flourishing and meaningful life. He explores how love, virtue, and purpose are fundamental to lasting happiness.
Thanks for reading our post of Jonathan Haidt’s best books ranked according to their Goodreads rating. We hope you’ve found your next read here, if you’re still looking for a book check out our post 10 best self-help books of 2024. Also keep an eye out for our post about Jonathan Haidt’s upcoming children’s book, The Amazing Generation, due to be released December 2025, which we are planning to review very soon.
