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A review by ichbinkrank
Integrity by Stephen L. Carter
4.0
This book sat on my shelf for a while because it is not a light read, and I wasn't entirely sure what I would find it in. Having read it, I wish I had read it much earlier, in high school perhaps, for what I have found is bits of philosophy and theology applied to life and how to live it, assuming living life involves acting with integrity. This is presented someone like a legal case before a court which is because Stephen L. Carter is a lawyer and law professor. But also a christian and as such, does not shy away from religious views and often argues with them. If you think this is a sin against the grand holy separation of church and state, you have needn't worry because he address that briefly in this book as well, why morals deriving from religion are not to be discredited in discussions just because of their origin. If that explanation is too brief for you, you can read he his earlier book, The Culture of Disbelief.
No doubt some people take offense to this book and discredit it because of it reference and use of theology which is a shame but he addresses that too.
What is awesome about this book is the case he makes for thoughtful, deliberate actions and proclaimed actions. Doing the morally correct thing after careful deliberation but not stating so or why, is not an act of integrity, he'll say.
Applying his definition of integrity to multiple subjects, he takes you through an examination of integrity in law, politics, marriage, sports and civil disobedience. His examination of marriage and divorce may no doubt touch off some emotions and in sports or politics, might have you cheering.
A pretty amazing book with some very interesting ideas. The author is not the most exciting writer in the world; he is in fact rather dry and lawyerly which is probably why his books are not more popular. If he had even just a bit of Oscar Wilde's wit, he might be a more influential thinker, and would surely be more widely known.
No doubt some people take offense to this book and discredit it because of it reference and use of theology which is a shame but he addresses that too.
What is awesome about this book is the case he makes for thoughtful, deliberate actions and proclaimed actions. Doing the morally correct thing after careful deliberation but not stating so or why, is not an act of integrity, he'll say.
Applying his definition of integrity to multiple subjects, he takes you through an examination of integrity in law, politics, marriage, sports and civil disobedience. His examination of marriage and divorce may no doubt touch off some emotions and in sports or politics, might have you cheering.
A pretty amazing book with some very interesting ideas. The author is not the most exciting writer in the world; he is in fact rather dry and lawyerly which is probably why his books are not more popular. If he had even just a bit of Oscar Wilde's wit, he might be a more influential thinker, and would surely be more widely known.