The Quest for a Moral Compass

A Global History of Ethics

By: Kenan Malik

Narrated by: Homer Todiwala

Length: 15 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's summary

Accessible, fascinating, and thought-provoking, this is the groundbreaking story of the global search for moral truths

In this remarkable book, Kenan Malik explores the history of moral thought as it has developed over three millennia, from Homer's Greece to Mao's China, from ancient India to modern America. It tells the stories of the great philosophers, and breathes life into their ideas, while also challenging many of our most cherished moral beliefs.

Engaging and provocative, The Quest for a Moral Compass confronts some of humanity's deepest questions. Where do values come from? Is God necessary for moral guidance? Are there absolute moral truths? It also brings morality down to earth, showing how, throughout history, social needs and political desires have shaped moral thinking. It is a history of the world told through the history of moral thought, and a history of moral thought that casts new light on global history.

©2014 Kenan Malik (P)2023 Tantor

Achieved What the Title Promised

The title promised a "quest" and a "global history" -- and I imagined that achieving the latter would almost certainly doom the former. That is, I feared a "barrage" of technical bits rather than a shared journey. The author, aided by an excellent narrator, organized and presented a brilliant story of humanity's quest for morality. Finishing the (audio)book brought satisfaction; I had experienced something -- and "quest" seems a fitting term. I do not have all the answers, but I have some new ways of thinking about myself and my world. At an amusement park, some rides are just okay, and some you immediately want to ride again. I finished this (audio)book moments ago and feel the urge to restart it, confident there's more to experience and enjoy.

That the western world has experienced significant changes in the last decade is evident in an anachronism that appears a couple of times in the book. Since 2014 when this book was written, "practicing homosexual" has shifted from a relatively neutral term to be presently understood as a linguistic signal of moral suspicion if not contempt. Even this example may be addressed via Malik's central thesis regarding change.

Should Be Required Reading

Thoughtful, intimidatingly well sourced, no easy answers or pat solutions, a timely reflection on questions that the news would have Americans believe are tearing our nation apart.