53 pages • 1 hour read
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289
Book • Nonfiction
2020s
2022
Adult
18+ years
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
32,521 ratings
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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.
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.
32,521 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Aristotle
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.
Jeremy Bentham
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.
John Stuart Mill
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.
T. M. Scanlon
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.
Peter Singer
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.
Todd May
An American political philosopher and advisor who provided philosophical expertise and commentary, adding context and clarity to Schur’s work alongside humorous anecdotes.
289
Book • Nonfiction
2020s
2022
Adult
18+ years
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