
How to Be Good
or How to Be Moral and Virtuous in a Wicked World
Failed to add items
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
$0.99/mo for the first 3 months

Buy for $17.19
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
-
Narrated by:
-
Matthew Lloyd Davies
-
By:
-
Gary Cox
About this listen
What is goodness? Is goodness achievable, and if so, how? If being a good person is a matter of doing the right thing, then what is the right thing to do? Is it acting rationally, promoting happiness, exercising moderation in all things or respecting the freedom of others, or is it somehow a concoction of all these abilities, wisely adjusted to suit circumstances?
In this instructive, entertaining and often humorous book, Gary Cox, best-selling author of How to Be an Existentialist and How to Be a Philosopher, investigates the phenomenon of goodness and what, if anything, it is to be a good person and a paragon of virtue. Part easygoing exploration of the age-old subject of moral philosophy, part personal development and improvement manual, How to Be Good carefully leads the listener on a fascinating journey through the often strange and surprising world of ethics.
This book covers issues from abortion to animal rights and delves into the meaning, achievability, and reality of goodness through an examination of the work of major philosophical thinkers such as Aristotle, Ayer, Bentham, Gautama Buddha, Hare, Hobbes, Kant, Mill, Nietzsche, Moore, Plato, Sartre, Singer, Thomson, and Warnock.
©2020 Gary Cox (P)2020 TantorListeners also enjoyed...
-
How to Be Perfect
- The Correct Answer to Every Moral Question
- By: Michael Schur
- Narrated by: Michael Schur, Kristen Bell, D'Arcy Carden, and others
- Length: 9 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Most people think of themselves as “good", but it’s not always easy to determine what’s “good” or “bad” - especially in a world filled with complicated choices and pitfalls and booby traps and bad advice. Fortunately, many smart philosophers have been pondering this conundrum for millennia, and they have guidance for us. With bright wit and deep insight, How to Be Perfect explains concepts like deontology, utilitarianism, existentialism, ubuntu, and more, so we can sound cool at parties and become better people.
-
-
Some philosophy, lots of politics
- By NJDad on 02-02-22
By: Michael Schur
-
Deep Thought
- 42 Fantastic Quotes That Define Philosphy
- By: Gary Cox
- Narrated by: Richard Mitchley
- Length: 7 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
As Douglas Adams points out, if there is no final answer to the question "what is the meaning of life?" 42 is as good or bad an answer as any other. Indeed, 42 quotes might be even better! Gary Cox guides us through 42 of the most misunderstood, misquoted, provocative, and significant quotes in the history of philosophy, providing witty and compelling commentary along the way.
-
-
Best philosophy intro ever
- By Fabian on 04-14-18
By: Gary Cox
-
Homeschooling 101 Philosophy for Kids and Teenagers
- Historical Philosophy as a Way of Life & Parental Guidebook for Youth to Embrace Social Skills, Logical Thinking to Become Intelligent Adults
- By: Loria Lacerda
- Narrated by: Whitney Grace
- Length: 5 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
“A thinking mind is an active mind” they say. This book is meant for general consumption, specifically for children and teenagers between the ages of seven to 16. This book was inspired by you, yes you! And it aims at clarifying and making their minds ready for the outside world as they grow. It is an avenue for youths of these ages to put on their thinking caps and questioning spirits so they can know more about the world they live in. This book has many benefits, resources, and qualities to add to their lives, as well as impact to make in their daily lives.
-
-
Interim review
- By Margaret on 03-25-21
By: Loria Lacerda
-
Happiness, Philosophy, and Life: Two in One
- Happiness: Essays on the Meaning of Life + The Five Great Philosophies of Life
- By: Carl Hilty, William DeWitt Hyde
- Narrated by: Lynnda Nelson, Douglas Wilkin
- Length: 9 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Are you tired of chasing happiness and only to find it elusive and temporary? Do you yearn for a deeper understanding of the true meaning of life? Look no further than Happiness: Essays on the Meaning of Life, a book that will send you on a transformative journey toward lasting joy and fulfillment.
-
-
Philosophy Brought to Life - A Beautiful Listen
- By Kim Vicki on 07-23-23
By: Carl Hilty, and others
-
The Moral Landscape
- How Science Can Determine Human Values
- By: Sam Harris
- Narrated by: Sam Harris
- Length: 6 hrs and 48 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In this explosive new book, Sam Harris tears down the wall between scientific facts and human values, arguing that most people are simply mistaken about the relationship between morality and the rest of human knowledge. Harris urges us to think about morality in terms of human and animal well-being, viewing the experiences of conscious creatures as peaks and valleys on a "moral landscape".
-
-
Read it
- By Paul on 11-23-10
By: Sam Harris
-
Making Sense of God
- An Invitation to the Skeptical
- By: Timothy Keller
- Narrated by: Sean Pratt
- Length: 9 hrs and 35 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Timothy Keller invites skeptics to consider that Christianity is more relevant now than ever. As human beings we cannot live without meaning, satisfaction, freedom, identity, justice, and hope. Christianity provides us with unsurpassed resources to meet these needs. Written for both the ardent believer and the skeptic, Making Sense of God shines a light on the profound value and importance of Christianity in our lives.
-
-
Good for confirming existing beliefs...
- By Mikkikon on 12-20-16
By: Timothy Keller
-
How to Be Perfect
- The Correct Answer to Every Moral Question
- By: Michael Schur
- Narrated by: Michael Schur, Kristen Bell, D'Arcy Carden, and others
- Length: 9 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Most people think of themselves as “good", but it’s not always easy to determine what’s “good” or “bad” - especially in a world filled with complicated choices and pitfalls and booby traps and bad advice. Fortunately, many smart philosophers have been pondering this conundrum for millennia, and they have guidance for us. With bright wit and deep insight, How to Be Perfect explains concepts like deontology, utilitarianism, existentialism, ubuntu, and more, so we can sound cool at parties and become better people.
-
-
Some philosophy, lots of politics
- By NJDad on 02-02-22
By: Michael Schur
-
Deep Thought
- 42 Fantastic Quotes That Define Philosphy
- By: Gary Cox
- Narrated by: Richard Mitchley
- Length: 7 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
As Douglas Adams points out, if there is no final answer to the question "what is the meaning of life?" 42 is as good or bad an answer as any other. Indeed, 42 quotes might be even better! Gary Cox guides us through 42 of the most misunderstood, misquoted, provocative, and significant quotes in the history of philosophy, providing witty and compelling commentary along the way.
-
-
Best philosophy intro ever
- By Fabian on 04-14-18
By: Gary Cox
-
Homeschooling 101 Philosophy for Kids and Teenagers
- Historical Philosophy as a Way of Life & Parental Guidebook for Youth to Embrace Social Skills, Logical Thinking to Become Intelligent Adults
- By: Loria Lacerda
- Narrated by: Whitney Grace
- Length: 5 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
“A thinking mind is an active mind” they say. This book is meant for general consumption, specifically for children and teenagers between the ages of seven to 16. This book was inspired by you, yes you! And it aims at clarifying and making their minds ready for the outside world as they grow. It is an avenue for youths of these ages to put on their thinking caps and questioning spirits so they can know more about the world they live in. This book has many benefits, resources, and qualities to add to their lives, as well as impact to make in their daily lives.
-
-
Interim review
- By Margaret on 03-25-21
By: Loria Lacerda
-
Happiness, Philosophy, and Life: Two in One
- Happiness: Essays on the Meaning of Life + The Five Great Philosophies of Life
- By: Carl Hilty, William DeWitt Hyde
- Narrated by: Lynnda Nelson, Douglas Wilkin
- Length: 9 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Are you tired of chasing happiness and only to find it elusive and temporary? Do you yearn for a deeper understanding of the true meaning of life? Look no further than Happiness: Essays on the Meaning of Life, a book that will send you on a transformative journey toward lasting joy and fulfillment.
-
-
Philosophy Brought to Life - A Beautiful Listen
- By Kim Vicki on 07-23-23
By: Carl Hilty, and others
-
The Moral Landscape
- How Science Can Determine Human Values
- By: Sam Harris
- Narrated by: Sam Harris
- Length: 6 hrs and 48 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In this explosive new book, Sam Harris tears down the wall between scientific facts and human values, arguing that most people are simply mistaken about the relationship between morality and the rest of human knowledge. Harris urges us to think about morality in terms of human and animal well-being, viewing the experiences of conscious creatures as peaks and valleys on a "moral landscape".
-
-
Read it
- By Paul on 11-23-10
By: Sam Harris
-
Making Sense of God
- An Invitation to the Skeptical
- By: Timothy Keller
- Narrated by: Sean Pratt
- Length: 9 hrs and 35 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Timothy Keller invites skeptics to consider that Christianity is more relevant now than ever. As human beings we cannot live without meaning, satisfaction, freedom, identity, justice, and hope. Christianity provides us with unsurpassed resources to meet these needs. Written for both the ardent believer and the skeptic, Making Sense of God shines a light on the profound value and importance of Christianity in our lives.
-
-
Good for confirming existing beliefs...
- By Mikkikon on 12-20-16
By: Timothy Keller
-
Philosophers
- Religious and Political Thinkers from Past Centuries
- By: Nelly Vortex
- Narrated by: Ric Chetter
- Length: 3 hrs and 33 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Have you ever wondered what great philosophers from the past have thought of? What were their ideas, perspectives, and insights on life’s events? Look no further, as you will learn about four deep thinkers in history who have paved the way for others to learn and to ponder life. The four philosophers discussed in this book include Thomas Aquinas, David Hume, Desiderius Erasmus, and Baruch Spinoza.
-
-
Excellent
- By Anonymous User on 03-18-20
By: Nelly Vortex
-
The Virtue of Selfishness
- By: Ayn Rand
- Narrated by: C. M. Hernert
- Length: 6 hrs and 15 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Ayn Rand here sets forth the moral principles of Objectivism, the philosophy that holds human life - the life proper to a rational being - as the standard of moral values and regards altruism as incompatible with human nature, with the creative requirement of survival, and with a free society.
-
-
Beyond brilliant
- By R. Aiken on 10-29-03
By: Ayn Rand
-
Critical Thinking
- Stoicism, Emotions, and Intelligent Reasoning Tips
- By: Alex Houston
- Narrated by: Rae Lang
- Length: 3 hrs and 36 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Logical thinking is something everyone tries, but only some succeed. Do you think logically? You may be surprised by the answer. Perhaps you have come a long way; I am sure you have. But there is more to learn. There is more to explore and discover. So here is my suggestion, Einstein: I believe your brain has great potential, but only if you use it. My invitation is to use it by listening to this book. And I would be crazy if I wouldn’t reveal some of the specific topics you will be faced with.
-
-
Stoicism and more
- By Anonymous User on 03-21-20
By: Alex Houston
-
Stoicism
- Stoic Principles for Modern Life. A Beginners Guide to the Art of Happiness, Mindfulness & Self Discipline. Daily Meditations of Great Such as Marcus Aurelius & Seneca. A Must for Entrepreneurs
- By: Handmade Publishing
- Narrated by: Lee Goettl
- Length: 3 hrs and 49 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Listening to this book, you will learn the basic principles of stoicism and its origins, plus how to apply those principles to our lives today.
-
The Abolition of Man
- By: C. S. Lewis
- Narrated by: Douglas Gresham
- Length: 1 hr and 36 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Both astonishing and prophetic, The Abolition of Man remains one of C. S. Lewis's most controversial works. Lewis sets out to persuade his audience of the ongoing importance and relevance of universal objective values, such as courage and honor, and the foundational necessity of natural law. He also makes a cogent case that a retreat from these pillars of our educational system, even if in the name of "scientism", would be catastrophic. National Review lists it as number seven on their "100 Best Nonfiction Books of the 20th Century".
-
-
Lewis the philosopher, not the theologian
- By Ian McKay on 05-11-17
By: C. S. Lewis
-
Loving Life: The Morality of Self-Interest and the Facts That Support It
- By: Craig Biddle
- Narrated by: Chris Abell
- Length: 4 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Loving Life demonstrates that morality is not a matter of divine revelation nor social convention nor personal opinion but a matter of the factual requirements of human life and personal happiness. Biddle shows how a true morality is derived logically from observable facts, what in essence such a morality demands, and why it is a matter of pure self-interest.
-
-
A guide book to a great life.
- By DarnestownMom on 07-27-19
By: Craig Biddle
-
Stoicism Full Life Mastery
- Mastering the Stoic Way of Living and Emotions
- By: Jason Gale
- Narrated by: Leslie Howard
- Length: 2 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Master stoicism in no time! This philosophy is not something you just read about, but put into practice in your daily living. Learn how to effectively master your emotions, find eternal bliss, peace of mind, and learn the secret to true lasting happiness beyond human conditioning. The ancient philosophy of stoicism has stood the test of time and we can see its influence and manifestations in many religions worldwide. If you want to transcend the human condition and go beyond the world's materialistic and superficial meaning of life, give this book a listen!
-
-
This book provided very helpful tools. Enjoyed it.
- By Rebecca on 05-06-18
By: Jason Gale
-
Stoicism: 2 Manuscripts in 1 Book
- Life Mastery, Psychology, Emotions, Behavior (Stoicism Starter Pack)
- By: Jason Gale
- Narrated by: Leslie Howard
- Length: 4 hrs and 34 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Two manuscripts in one book! Learn the ancient philosophy of stoicism and see what all the hype is about! Do you lack a meaningful purpose in life? Feeling empty inside? I've got good news for you! In the Stoicism Starter Pack series you will discover the art of control, true happiness, and perhaps even discover a newfound purpose in life.
-
-
Wonderful narration!
- By Julia Kessler on 08-28-18
By: Jason Gale
-
The Will to Power
- An Attempted Transvaluation of All Values
- By: Friedrich Nietzsche
- Narrated by: Michael Lunts
- Length: 23 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Nietzsche never recovered from his mental breakdown in 1889 and therefore was unable to further any plans he had for the ‘magnum opus’ he had once intended, bringing together in a coherent whole his mature philosophy. It was left to his close friend Heinrich Köselitz and his sister Elizabeth Förster-Nietzsche to go through the remaining notebooks and unpublished writings, choosing sections of particular interest to produce The Will to Power, giving it the subtitle An Attempted Transvaluation of All Values.
-
-
Finally!
- By Daniel on 04-17-19
-
The Art of Loving
- By: Erich Fromm
- Narrated by: Nathan McMillan
- Length: 3 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Most of us are unable to develop our capacities for love on the only level that really counts — a love that is compounded of maturity, self-knowledge, and courage. Learning to love, like other arts, demands practice and concentration. Even more than any other art, it demands genuine insight and understanding.
-
-
How this book got such good marks is beyond me.
- By Wyson store on 10-31-20
By: Erich Fromm
-
Ethics 101
- From Altruism and Utilitarianism to Bioethics and Political Ethics, an Exploration of the Concepts of Right and Wrong
- By: Brian Boone
- Narrated by: Fred Sanders
- Length: 7 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Explore the mysteries of morality and the concept of right and wrong with this accessible, engaging guide featuring basic facts along with an overview of modern-day issues ranging from business ethics and bioethics to political and social ethics. Ethics 101 offers an exciting look into the history of moral principles that dictate human behavior. Unlike traditional textbooks that overwhelm, this easy-to-listen guide presents the key concepts of ethics in fun, straightforward lessons and exercises featuring only the most important facts, theories, and ideas.
-
-
Ethics
- By Anonymous User on 11-27-20
By: Brian Boone
-
Utilitarianism
- By: John Stuart Mill
- Narrated by: Fleet Cooper
- Length: 3 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This expanded edition of John Stuart Mill's Utilitarianism includes the text of his 1868 speech to the British House of Commons defending the use of capital punishment in cases of aggravated murder. The speech is significant both because its topic remains timely and because its arguments illustrate the applicability of the principle of utility to questions of large-scale social policy.
-
-
A dramatic reading of JSM's 'Utilitarianism'
- By Darwin8u on 12-24-12
By: John Stuart Mill
What listeners say about How to Be Good
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- chris boutte
- 12-10-20
One of the best books on moral philosophy
What a surprisingly amazing book this was! I love books about moral philosophy, but Gary Cox was able to do it in a completely unique way. I've read multiple books on the subject, but I learned more from this book than I have many others. He was able to explain different aspects of moral subjectivism, meta-ethics and other topics in an easy-to-digest way that I loved. Then, at the end of the book, he brings it all together to get your wheels turning about some various debates we face in the world today when it comes to morality and ethics. I can't recommend this book enough, and I look forward to reading some of his other work.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!