Some background before I start discussing the actual book: The author of this book is Michael Schur, creator of the hilarious and thoughtful sitcom The Good Place, which recently finished its four-season run to much acclaim. The TV show focuses on four people dealing with their afterlives, attempting to make themselves good enough people to stay in the titular Good Place. How do they do it? By studying moral philosophy, of course!
With all of that in mind, How to Be Perfect is Schur's book report on all of the moral philosophy research he did before creating the TV show. In it, he covers all the big names of secular moral philosophy from Aristotle to Kant to Ayn Rand (ugh) to Sartre and beyond, explaining them clearly for everyday people like me, someone who never expected to read — much less enjoy! — a book on moral philosophy. It's hilarious, thought-provoking, and full of excellent footnotes. I listened to the audiobook, which was a special treat, as Good Place cast members read bits and pieces throughout the book.
I have recommended this book to just about everybody I've talked to during the last week or two, and I can't imagine I'll stop recommending it anytime soon. Read it! Listen to it!
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