Why It's Hard to Be Good

Philosophy professor Gini's (The Importance of Being Lazy) approach to ethics and morality is as close an approximation of fun as is likely to be found on the road to discovering what is right and what is wrong (and why). Gini first explains, in user-friendly terms, the nebulous notion of narcissism, which he uses as a foundation for his examinations of ethical challenges at work, at play, in the bedroom and in death, and how each drives both unethical and ethical behavior. Festering at the root of contemporary America, Gini argues, is ""a reluctance to do the right thing,"" a result of the belief ""that the pursuit and achievement of happiness is part of our God-given birthright."" Gini did not design his book as a self-help text, but as a tool for readers to use in considering their own conscience, character and integrity. (Each of which he defines.) Not one to preach, Gini acknowledges the American love affair with outlaws, concluding the only lovable bad guys are the ones who ultimately consider the consequences of their actions and their own mortality. Gini provides enough conversation material to lead his audience toward substantive discussions about how to be virtuous in a media-saturated culture that reinforces individual pursuits and pleasures.