The tyranny of freedom. American Psychologist, 1: 79-88. Schwartz, B. (2000).

This article suggests that to aspire to self-determination is a mistake because when taken to extremes it leads not to freedom but tyranny of choice. The author argues that an excessively ‘free’ American society has created unrealistic levels of expectation and an individualist culture which in turn has contributed to growing levels of depression, indecisiveness and dissatisfaction with life. The author calls for psychologists to develop arguments on what merits good human life and to deemphasize individual freedom to encourage more meaningful existence.