Why It's Hard to be Good

In a series of brief chapters, Al Gini lays out ideas for 'stepping out of the shadow of the self' - an argument for stopping thinking of yourself as the centre of the universe. It's hard to be good, he explains, until we realize that being good only has meaning in relation to other people. Ideas of justice, fairness, and ethical behavior are just that - abstract ideas - until they are put into action with regard to people outside ourselves.We may worry too much about good versus evil - big concepts that give us plenty of room to sit on the right side of the equation, he argues. Instead, we need to be thinking about how being good involves an active relationship toward others. Being good all by yourself may not be good enough. This warm and generous book is for anyone who wants to know how to use ethical thinking as way to live, work, and be with others.

"Al Gini is a philosopher who makes sense to everyone. Why It's Hard To Be Good is penetrating, thought-provoking and a pleasure to read." -- Scott Turow, author of Presumed Innocent and Ordinary Heroes"Al Gini's latest book surveys the landscape of ethical speed bumps and crash sites with his customary charm, verve and insight. Why It's Hard To Be Good is a creative exposé of the many reasons smart people do bad things." -- Steve Priest, Founder, Ethical Leadership Group"Don't just read this book. Use it. Use it to challenge yourself and others with honesty, compassion, and humor, just as Gini does." -- John W. Dienhart, The Frank Shrontz Chair for Professional Ethics, Seattle University and author of Business, Institutions, and Ethics"Why It's Hard To Be Good sets a new standard for clear and funny thinking. A master writer and astute observer of human behavior and culture, Gini has written yet another terrific and enriching book. You won't be able to put it down." -- John Eckberg, author of The Success Effect and business/workplace reporter for The Cincinnati Enquirer"This is the book for these troubled times. With uncommon wisdom, Gini explores the world of ethics, and what it means to do right by others--and he does it in a manner that is so plainspoken it makes for one compelling read." -- Alex Kotlowitz, author of There Are No Children Here: The Story of Two Boys Growing Up in The Other America"His approach to the age-old problem of how to be good is both down-to-earth and entertaining. In an extremely user-friendly way he argues that humankind's first task is to overcome the prevalent narcissism. With his typically charming and funny approach, Gini leads readers through the main areas of life, i.e., work, play, sex, and death, showing through countless examples (from classics and popular culture) how people tend to avoid the task of being good. His aim is to make readers consider their own character, integrity, and conscience. The conclusion has been heard countless times: "the central problem of ethics is not the blindness to the right thing ... but rather ... a reluctance to do the right thing." But Gini manages to make it fresh. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower-division undergraduates and general readers. -- CHOICE , "Al Gini is a philosopher who makes sense to everyone. Why It’s Hard to Be Good is penetrating, thought-provoking and a pleasure to read." Scott Turow, author of Presumed Innocent and Ordinary Heroes"Al Gini's latest book surveys the landscape of ethical speed bumps and crash sites with his customary charm, verve and insight. Why It's Hard To Be Good is a creative exposé of the many reasons smart people do bad things." Steve Priest, Founder, Ethical Leadership Group"Don't just read this book. Use it. Use it to challenge yourself and others with honesty, compassion, and humor, just as Gini does." John W. Dienhart, The Frank Shrontz Chair for Professional Ethics, Seattle University and author of Business, Institutions, and Ethics"Why It's Hard To Be Good sets a new standard for clear and funny thinking. A master writer and astute observer of human behavior and culture, Gini has written yet another terrific and enriching book. You won't be able to put it down." John Eckberg, author of The Success Effect and business/workplace reporter for The Cincinnati Enquirer"This is the book for these troubled times. With uncommon wisdom, Gini explores the world of ethics, and what it means to do right by others--and he does it in a manner that is so plainspoken it makes for one compelling read." Alex Kotlowitz, author of There Are No Children Here: The Story of Two Boys Growing Up in The Other America

Al Gini is Professor of Philosophy at Loyola University of Chicago. Co-founder of Business Ethics Quarterly, he is a frequent commentator for NPR's Chicago affiliate WBEZ-FM and is a regular speaker on questions of corporate ethics. He is the author of The Important ofBeing Lazy (0415938791) and My Job, My Self, (041592636X) both published by Routledge.