Traditional and progressive educators alike have endorsed the benefits of self-discipline, the idea being for students to override their unconstructive impulses, resist temptation, and do what needs to be done. But author Alfie Kohn suggests that the concept of self-discipline is actually problematic in three ways: It reflects a simplistic understanding of human psychology because some self-disciplined people are actually controlled from within in an unhealthy way. It's based on a dark view of human nature and a deeply conservative world view. Finally, by equipping each student with a built-in supervisor we are less likely to question the value of whatever they've been told to do; a focus on self-discipline impedes social change.