How to Be Perfect

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How to Be Perfect

by Michael Schur

Michael Schur, the mind behind The Good Place, tackles the age-old question: how do we actually become good people? He dives into millennia of philosophical thought, from ancient Greeks to modern ethicists, to dissect what "good" even means in our complex world. This isn't a dry academic text; it's delivered with the sharp wit and warm humor you'd expect from him. You'll find yourself laughing out loud one moment, then pausing to genuinely consider a profound moral quandary the next. It’s a journey through the complexities of ethical living, made incredibly accessible and engaging. This book is for anyone who enjoys thinking deeply about human behavior, personal growth, and societal values, all without feeling lectured. It’s like having a brilliant, funny friend guide you through the trickiest parts of being human.

10 Books similar to 'How to Be Perfect'

For those who appreciated Michael Schur's thoughtful, humorous exploration of what it means to live an ethical life, our recommendations continue that journey. We've curated books that share Schur's knack for making complex philosophical and psychological ideas accessible and engaging. Whether you're looking for more witty insights into human decision-making, historical deep dives into moral thought, or practical guidance for personal growth, these titles will resonate. They all share that distinctive blend of intellectual curiosity and relatable, often humorous, approaches to understanding how to navigate the trickiest parts of being human.

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Stumbling on Happiness
Stumbling on Happiness

by Daniel Gilbert

Fans of "How to Be Perfect" will appreciate Gilbert's witty and accessible exploration of cognitive science and psychology, dissecting how humans often mispredict what will make them happy. Like Schur, he blends humor with rigorous analysis to offer profound insights into human behavior and decision-making.

Meditations
Meditations

by Marcus Aurelius

This timeless classic offers direct, introspective wisdom on living a virtuous and ethical life, echoing Schur's central theme of striving for goodness. Its practical advice on self-control, resilience, and finding peace resonates deeply with the philosophical quest for perfection.

The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living
The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living

by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman

For readers who enjoyed the actionable ethical guidance in "How to Be Perfect," this book provides daily doses of Stoic philosophy presented in a clear, modern, and practical way. It offers concrete tools and reflections for cultivating virtue, resilience, and inner peace in everyday life.

Thinking, Fast and Slow
Thinking, Fast and Slow

by Daniel Kahneman

While not strictly about ethics, Kahneman's groundbreaking work on cognitive biases and decision-making provides an essential framework for understanding how we make choices, including moral ones. Its analytical rigor and profound insights into human rationality will appeal to those who appreciate Schur's intellectual approach.

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Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind

by Yuval Noah Harari

Harari's sweeping narrative, like Schur's book, encourages readers to think critically about humanity's past, present, and future, including the evolution of our values and societal structures. Its ability to synthesize vast amounts of information into an engaging, thought-provoking read will resonate with fans of intellectual non-fiction.

Factfulness: Ten Reasons We're Wrong About the World – and Why Things Are Better Than You Think

by Hans Rosling

Rosling's data-driven optimism and commitment to challenging misconceptions align with Schur's rational and hopeful approach to understanding the world and making better decisions. This book empowers readers with a clearer, more accurate view of global progress, fostering informed ethical perspectives.

You Are Not So Smart: Why You Have Too Many Friends on Facebook, Why Your Memory Is Mostly Fiction, and 46 Other Ways You're Deluding Yourself
You Are Not So Smart: Why You Have Too Many Friends on Facebook, Why Your Memory Is Mostly Fiction, and 46 Other Ways You're Deluding Yourself

by David McRaney

This book shares "How to Be Perfect"'s accessible, witty, and engaging style while dissecting common cognitive biases and logical fallacies that influence our perceptions and choices. Readers will enjoy its humorous yet insightful exploration of human irrationality, which is crucial for ethical self-awareness.

The Good Place and Philosophy: Everything Is Fine!

by Kimberly S. Engels and Kyle William Johnson

For a direct dive into the philosophical underpinnings of Michael Schur's work, this anthology explores the ethical dilemmas and moral philosophy presented in "The Good Place." It offers a deeper, academic yet accessible, analysis of the very themes Schur tackles in "How to Be Perfect."

A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy

by William B. Irvine

Irvine offers a practical, modern guide to Stoicism, making ancient philosophy accessible and relevant to contemporary life, much like Schur does with ethical philosophy. Readers seeking actionable advice on how to live a more fulfilling and virtuous life will find this book highly resonant.

The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion
The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion

by Jonathan Haidt

Haidt's work delves into moral psychology, exploring the diverse foundations of human morality and why people hold different ethical views. This analytical and informative book provides crucial context for understanding the complexities of "being good" in a pluralistic world, complementing Schur's exploration of ethics.