Susan Jacoby

Susan Jacoby is an American author, journalist and secular humanist who has written extensively about secularism, atheism, American history, and intellectual culture. Her work frequently examines anti-intellectualism in American life, the role of religion in politics, and the history of free thought movements. Jacoby's 2008 book "The Age of American Unreason" became a New York Times bestseller and established her as a leading critic of what she terms "junk thought" and declining intellectual standards in American culture. Her other notable works include "Freethinkers: A History of American Secularism" (2004) and "Strange Gods: A Secular History of Conversion" (2016). Born in 1945, Jacoby began her career as a reporter for The Washington Post and has since contributed to numerous major publications including The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and The American Prospect. She served as program director of the Center for Inquiry-New York City, a rationalist organization that promotes science and secular humanism. Her writing style combines historical analysis with cultural criticism, often drawing connections between past intellectual movements and contemporary social issues. Jacoby's work consistently advocates for rational thought, scientific literacy, and the separation of church and state.

Readers praise Jacoby's thorough research and clear analysis of complex cultural trends, particularly in "The Age of American Unreason." Many note her ability to trace historical patterns of anti-intellectualism to present-day issues. Readers appreciate: - Deep historical documentation - Clear connections between past and present events - Strong arguments backed by evidence - Accessible writing on complex topics Common criticisms: - Perceived political bias and elitism - Repetitive points across chapters - Occasionally hostile tone toward religious beliefs - Some readers find her pessimistic about American culture On Goodreads, "The Age of American Unreason" averages 3.8/5 stars from 2,800+ ratings. "Freethinkers" rates 4.0/5 from 1,900+ ratings. Amazon reviews average 4.0/5 across her works. One reader noted: "Jacoby expertly diagnoses America's dysfunctional relationship with reason." Another criticized: "Valid points get lost in condescending rhetoric toward those who disagree." Readers consistently rate her research quality high while debating her interpretations and tone.

The Age of American Unreason (2008) Examines anti-intellectualism and anti-rationalism in American culture, from historical roots to modern manifestations in politics, education, and media.

Freethinkers: A History of American Secularism (2004) Chronicles the history of secular thought in America from the Founding Fathers through the 20th century.

Strange Gods: A Secular History of Conversion (2016) Analyzes religious conversion throughout history, exploring both forced conversions and voluntary spiritual transformations.

The Great Agnostic: Robert Ingersoll and American Freethought (2013) Biographical study of 19th-century orator Robert Ingersoll and his influence on American secular thought.

Never Say Die: The Myth and Marketing of the New Old Age (2011) Critiques contemporary attitudes toward aging and challenges popular misconceptions about growing older in America.

Wild Justice: The Evolution of Revenge (1983) Explores the concept of revenge across different cultures and its role in human society and justice systems.

Alger Hiss and the Battle for History (2009) Analyzes the lasting impact of the Alger Hiss espionage case on American political culture and Cold War ideology.

The Last Men on Top (2013) Examines the social and cultural changes that ended male dominance in American society during the mid-20th century.

Half-Jew: A Daughter's Search for Her Family's Buried Past (2000) Autobiographical work investigating the author's complex religious heritage and family history.

Christopher Hitchens writes about atheism, politics, and social criticism with a focus on challenging religious and cultural orthodoxies. His work shares Jacoby's commitment to secular humanism and rational inquiry.

Jennifer Michael Hecht examines the history of religious doubt and atheism through a scholarly lens. Her writing combines historical analysis with philosophical exploration of secular thought, similar to Jacoby's approach.

Rebecca Goldstein explores the intersection of philosophy, science, and secular values in contemporary society. Her work addresses many of the same questions about reason versus faith that appear in Jacoby's books.

Sam Harris focuses on neuroscience, moral philosophy, and criticism of religion from a scientific perspective. His analysis of how religious beliefs affect society parallels Jacoby's examination of American anti-intellectualism.

Russell Blackford writes about secularism, transhumanism, and the philosophical implications of scientific advancement. His work examines the tension between religious traditions and modern knowledge, a central theme in Jacoby's writing.