1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of How to Be Perfect
In How to Be Perfect, Michael Schur explores the complexities of moral philosophy and how we can apply its principles to our daily lives. Schur, a television writer and producer known for his work on The Good Place, The Office, and Parks and Recreation, draws on his experience creating characters who grapple with ethical dilemmas to make philosophical concepts accessible and engaging.
Schur argues that while achieving moral perfection may be impossible, striving to be a better person is a...
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How to Be Perfect Summary Core Ethical Frameworks
In this section, we will outline the key ethical theories Schur presents in the book and then discuss several complexities and critiques of these frameworks.
Foundational Ethical Theories
Schur explores foundational ethical approaches like deontology, virtue ethics, and utilitarianism. Virtue ethics views those who are morally good as having developed specific virtues over time. Deontology relies on the concept that we must identify principles that we could envision everyone else following too. Utilitarianism focuses on maximizing joy.
(Shortform note: Many contemporary utilitarians, like Peter Singer in Practical Ethics, argue that utilitarianism is about maximizing the fulfillment of people’s preferences, not their joy. This means that utilitarianism can sometimes require us to make choices that make people less joyful in the moment.)
We will first describe Kantian ethics and Aristotle’s ideas on virtue, which Schur classifies as classical theories. Then we will discuss two modern frameworks: contractualism and existentialism.
Classical & Foundational Ethical...
How to Be Perfect Summary Applying Ethical Principles to Daily Life
Schur emphasizes that offering apologies is essential for ethical growth, even though it can be difficult. Apologizing means admitting our mistakes to people, yet it’s a necessary step in becoming a better person. An apology is necessary to fully heal the damage from a moral mistake. The shame we experience when saying we're sorry is a good thing. It indicates we experience the hurt we inflicted and feel regret for doing so.
(Shortform note: In Why Won’t You Apologize?, Harriet Lerner argues that offering apologies and leaning into the shame we experience when saying we're sorry can be harmful in certain situations. In relationships characterized by chronic disrespect, emotional abuse, or a severe imbalance of power, apologizing can strengthen the other person’s control over you. Instead of promoting healing or moral growth, repeated apologies in these contexts can reinforce the other person’s sense of entitlement and diminish your own self-respect.)
In the following sections, we’ll explore how choices regarding ethics are influenced by societal norms and personal values and how to accept failure as part of the...
How to Be Perfect
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Shortform Exercise: Navigating the Trolley Problem
Explore your decision-making process in a classic ethical dilemma using the principles discussed in "How to Be Perfect" by Michael Schur.
Imagine you're facing the Trolley Problem where you can pull a lever to save five people but will end up sacrificing one person. What factors would you consider in making your decision?
