News outlets have reported Harvard University's students' reactions to the threat of stricter academic standards, after a commission found that grades were massively inflated despite a decline in academic involvement at the college. Some reacted by worrying they wouldn't find their classwork enjoyable or fulfilling if academic standards were raised.

Beyond Harvard, is there an underlying assumption in modern culture that life is to be enjoyed? Liberty examines that assumption, identifies why it's problematic in everything from education to relationships, and recalls research that points to what makes humans more deeply fulfilled.

More Resources:

All A's at Harvard (World)

https://wng.org/opinions/all-as-at-harvard-1762387132

The Perverse Consequences of the Easy A (The Atlantic)

https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2025/08/harvard-college-grade-inflation/684021/

Does This Study Reveal the Key to Human Flourishing? (Know Why Podcast) 

https://youtu.be/g3tobGiNVvM?si=iTTyLQRqobwWKmGQ