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53 pages 1 hour read

How to Be Perfect: The Correct Answer to Every Moral Question

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2022

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Book Brief

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Michael Schur

How to Be Perfect

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2022
Book Details
Pages

289

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

2020s

Publication Year

2022

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

How to Be Perfect by Michael Schur explores various moral philosophies through a humorous and accessible lens, synthesizing insights from Schur's work on The Good Place. From Aristotle's virtue ethics to Kant's deontology and Scanlon's contractualism, Schur examines these theories while embedding personal anecdotes. He concludes by discussing the complexity of moral actions and responsibilities in contemporary society, ultimately encouraging continuous ethical self-improvement.

Humorous

Inspirational

Informative

Contemplative

Heartwarming

Reviews & Readership

4.3

32,521 ratings

81%

Loved it

15%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Michael Schur's How to Be Perfect is a humorous yet insightful guide on ethics, blending philosophy with everyday scenarios. Reviews praise its accessible, witty approach to complex topics and practical applications. Some criticize its light tone as overly simplistic. Overall, it's celebrated for making philosophy engaging and relevant.

Who should read this

Who Should Read How to Be Perfect?

Readers who enjoy humorous yet insightful takes on ethical dilemmas would relish Michael Schur's How to Be Perfect. Fans of Schur's TV show The Good Place or books like David Sedaris's Me Talk Pretty One Day and A.J. Jacobs's The Year of Living Biblically will find its blend of humor and philosophical inquiry particularly engaging.

4.3

32,521 ratings

81%

Loved it

15%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Character List

Immanuel Kant

An 18th-century German philosopher and key figure in deontological ethics known for the categorical imperative, he is depicted as stern and routine-driven, inspiring memorable caricatures in ethical discussions.

An Ancient Greek polymath whose virtue ethics and concept of the golden mean are explored, he is introduced with imaginative dialogues due to the lack of personal historical details.

A British philosopher recognized for utilitarianism and innovative ideas, like the panopticon, he is portrayed as an eccentric with a preserved skeleton known as an auto-icon at University College London.

A British philosopher who refined utilitarianism by introducing higher and lower pleasures, he is noted for overcoming personal struggles and for advocating for minority rights within the framework of utilitarianism.

An American philosopher known for contractualism, he is a personal favorite of the author and frequently featured for his approachable and reliable insights into minimal acceptable social behavior.

An Australian utilitarian philosopher known for his strong stance on wealth distribution and ethics, characterized as a lone-wolf warrior with consequentialist insights that supplement contractualist theories.

An American political philosopher and advisor who provided philosophical expertise and commentary, adding context and clarity to Schur’s work alongside humorous anecdotes.

Book Details
Pages

289

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

2020s

Publication Year

2022

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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