Book Review: How to Be PerfecT

Michael Schur’s How to Be Perfect is an easy and enjoyable introduction to moral philosophy, the study of what it means to be a good person. Schur, known for creating The Good Place, Parks and Rec, Brooklyn 99, uses humor, real-life examples, and simple explanations to help readers understand big ideas from famous thinkers like Aristotle, Kant, and Mill. Instead of making philosophy feel confusing or heavy, he turns it into something practical that people can use in everyday situations.

The book shows that being a good person is not about being perfect. Schur explains that everyone makes mistakes, and that moral decisions often feel confusing or complicated. What matters most is trying to make thoughtful choices, caring about how our actions affect others, and learning from our experiences. He encourages readers to pay attention, be honest, and try to act with kindness even when it is difficult.

Schur also warns against acting “good” just to impress other people. He talks about how easy it is in today’s world, especially with social media, to focus on looking moral instead of actually doing the right thing. Instead, he encourages sincerity and effort, even when no one is watching.

Throughout the book, Schur emphasizes that morality is not something we practice alone. Our choices affect our friends, our communities, and the larger world. Thinking about how we impact others helps us grow, not just morally but personally. In this way, the book helps readers understand that becoming a better person is closely connected to building stronger, more caring relationships.

The writing style is friendly, funny, and easy to follow. Schur uses stories from his own life, pop culture references, and gentle humor to keep readers engaged while still teaching them important ideas. This makes the book feel like a conversation rather than a lesson.

Overall, How to Be Perfect shows that personal growth and moral growth go hand in hand. It reminds readers that we do not need to be perfect to live a good life. We only need to stay curious, pay attention to our actions, and keep trying to do better. The book offers hope and guidance for anyone who wants to make good choices, understand themselves more deeply, and build a more compassionate life.