In “How to be Perfect,” Michael Schur embarks on a journey to untangle the Gordian knot of moral philosophy and, remarkably, manages to not only unravel it but also make it entertaining. This book is a rare creature: it’s as enlightening as it is amusing, a tightrope walk over the chasm of heavy philosophical jargon, performed with the grace of a seasoned philosopher and the wit of a seasoned comedy writer.
For someone like me, whose journey into philosophy often feels like trying to read a dense legal document without the aid of a law degree, Schur’s approach is a breath of fresh air. He simplifies without dumbing down, elucidating complex theories with the ease of someone explaining the rules of checkers. The book is replete with contemporary examples that make you nod in understanding rather than scratch your head in confusion.
Schur, it seems, has cracked the code. He’s figured out how to take the age-old questions that have perplexed mankind – the ones about right, wrong, and everything in between – and turn them into a conversation you’d want to have over a cup of coffee. He avoids the pitfall of preachiness, instead opting for a tone that’s more like a friend musing aloud than a professor lecturing.
In essence, “How to be Perfect” makes philosophy accessible and, dare I say, immensely enjoyable. Schur doesn’t just invite you to think; he invites you to smile as you do so. The book is for those who want to dip their toes into the waters of moral reasoning without fear of getting swept away by the current. It’s a testament to the fact that the big questions about how we should live can be tackled without losing our sense of humor – and perhaps, that’s exactly how they should be tackled.