Disciplined Minds: A Critical Look at Salaried Professionals
and the Soul-Battering System that Shapes their Lives
(Rowman & Littlefield, 2000) by Jeff Schmidt

Public Citizen News
September/October 2000
Volume 20, number 5, page 15
Published by Public Citizen
(founded by Ralph Nader)
ISSN 0738-5927

Closed Minds

Recommendation by Carrie Crystal Van Driel
Professionals within our society are considered the most able, those who make things happen. But as Jeff Schmidt notes in his book Disciplined Minds, these over-trained doers are really just products of what corporate America is looking for -- people who will do the job as trained without challenging the system.

Schmidt focuses on the idea that not only do employers look for people who are technically trained but also people who are trained to go with the flow without rocking the boat or questioning authority.

Written for professionals and students looking to become professionals themselves, Disciplined Minds provides an insight into a world where creative minds are subdued. Through first- and second-hand experience, Schmidt analyzes the true meaning of being a professional and the sacrifices that professionals make to achieve their career goals. He challenges them to think outside the box -- to use their intuition and their attitude to provide for a better society.