Ethics is free for all to engage with, he says, and it boils down to four simple questions that we can ask ourselves whenever we encounter any ethical dilemma, great or small.

Schur encourages readers who are so inclined to dig deeper and explore the many other fascinating theories of moral philosophy that have developed over 2,500 years. The book is organized broadly around three secular theories of Western moral philosophy: virtue ethics, deontology and utilitarianism, with engaging and thoughtful forays into Jean Paul Sartre's philosophy of existentialism, Buddhism and the southern African concept of human interconnectedness known as ubuntu. By breaking down the basic tenets of ethical theory into manageable morsels and applying them to real-life situations that are part and parcel of membership in modern society, How to Be Perfect equips readers with the practical skills to confidently build their own personalized ethics toolbox. As he tells it, the more we practice being good, the easier and more instinctive it becomes.

As Schur explains, How to Be Perfect is an account of his journey through moral philosophy and learning to accept and even embrace failure as a necessary and beneficial by-product of our efforts to try to mindfully improve how we move through the 'minefield of modern life.'Īn acclaimed television writer and creator of the fantasy comedy The Good Place, Schur was inspired by his research for the television series and the experiences that led to his own ethical evolution for his cleverly presented book debut. A timely and entertaining guide to sharpening one's moral compass, How to Be Perfect: The Correct Answer to Every Moral Question by Michael Schur ponders ethical predicaments both modern and ancient, real and hypothetical, in a splendidly novel fashion, deploying both the author's trademark irreverent humor and centuries-old philosophical theory to uncover what it takes to be a good person and lead an ethical life.

How to be perfect by michael schur