How to Be Perfect
| Company type | Book |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | 2022 |
| Founder | Michael Schur |
| Products | Non-fiction book on ethics |
How to Be Perfect: The Correct Answer to Every Moral Question is a 2022 non-fiction publication authored by American television producer and writer Michael Schur. The book presents foundational philosophical ideas on ethics in an approachable and entertaining style. Drawing on extensive research conducted for his television series The Good Place, Schur crafted this work to share the ethical insights he gathered. The book received acclaim, with The New York Times Book Review describing it as "an ideal introduction to understanding why humans act as they do."
Background
Before this project, Schur served as an executive producer on acclaimed shows such as Parks and Recreation and Brooklyn Nine-Nine. The inspiration for The Good Place emerged from observing drivers who illegally used emergency lanes to avoid traffic, prompting Schur to imagine a system where moral "points" tracked such behavior. This concept evolved into the show's central premise: a numerical morality score determining whether individuals enter the Good or Bad Place in the afterlife. The series ran for four seasons on NBC, earning both popular and critical success.
Following the conclusion of the show, Schur aimed to further explore ethical questions through a book, utilizing his comedic expertise to make philosophical concepts engaging and accessible. He partnered with political philosopher Todd May, who served as a consultant on the series and contributed "philosophical nitpicking" during the book’s development. The resulting work is frequently regarded as a "companion piece" to The Good Place.
Synopsis
Structured similarly to many introductory textbooks on ethics, the book’s chapters each distill key philosophical arguments about morality. However, Schur deliberately avoids a dry academic tone, instead employing a narrator who is both witty and enthusiastic. His goal is to "tackle some deeply challenging and painful moral philosophy topics... but in an enjoyable way!"
Spanning thirteen chapters, the book situates age-old philosophical debates within modern-day contexts. It opens with a straightforward inquiry—the first chapter is titled "Should I Punch My Friend in the Face for No Reason?"—and progresses through increasingly nuanced ethical quandaries and theories. Schur addresses utilitarianism, deontology, existentialism, virtue ethics, among others, while humorously critiquing the often dense writing of original philosophers, including one essay he dubs a "seventy-five-page-long migraine." By blending humor and relatable anecdotes, he makes complex material accessible to a wide readership—a "sweetener on bitter medicine" that sustains interest. Additionally, Schur introduces the concept of "moral exhaustion," describing the fatigue that arises from constantly evaluating every decision’s ethical implications, and suggests that acknowledging this weariness is essential for fostering more practical and compassionate moral practices.
After presenting foundational philosophical theories alongside their practical applications, Schur concludes by highlighting the importance of moral philosophy in everyday life. He contends that aiming for moral perfection is unrealistic and may detract from life’s enjoyment. Instead, individuals should aspire to lead more ethical lives by synthesizing insights from multiple philosophical traditions into a cohesive moral framework. Schur encourages continuous self-education, growth, and personal improvement.
Reception
How to Be Perfect launched at the second spot on The New York Times Best Seller list and garnered predominantly favorable critiques. In The Wall Street Journal, Julian Baggini commended it as "a delightful progression" for enthusiasts of The Good Place and those seeking accessible moral philosophy without excessive solemnity. The New York Times Book Review characterized the work as "clear and inviting," emphasizing the audiobook version featuring Kristen Bell, Ted Danson, Manny Jacinto, and Jameela Jamil. The Los Angeles Review of Books praised it as a "notably congenial read," while pointing out that Schur's use of ironic wit might leave some readers unsure about his genuine intentions. According to the Times Literary Supplement, Schur proves to be "an engaging companion," although the humorous style may come across as somewhat bold to certain audiences.