Ethics Books

In this book, business professor Jerry Kirkpatrick argues that advertising is an effective and necessary method of salesmanship, and that the principles of salesmanship should define the standards and principles of effective advertising. For this reason, advertising is a valid and beneficial tool of entrepreneurs that must be informative and persuasive to be effective. Advertising communications is an important mechanism through which consumers gain information about ways to satisfy and achieve the values they seek, and therefore serves a positive and beneficial role in society.

Kirkpatrick's arguments are not directed towards those who dislike any particular ad for its low-brow qualities, but rather aimed high to refute those who stand against advertising per se, on principle.

The book addresses important key questions such as:
- What is the nature of advertising?
- Is persuasive advertising wasteful or harmful?
- Does advertising benefit consumer interests or is it anti-consumer?
- Should some people determine which products are beneficial to advertise and which are not?
- Does advertising create unnecessary market instability and unwarranted competitive pressures, or are these attributes inherent benefits of market competition?
- Does advertising unnecessarily increase prices thereby `exploiting' workers and consumers, or does it ultimately lower prices by increasing sales and reducing per unit costs, thereby benefiting workers and consumers?

The arguments presented by Kirkpatrick form a basic and fundamental philosophic and economic defense of advertising aimed at refuting those who argue that advertising per se is wasteful, coercive, and generally pernicious. This book is not directed towards practitioners who seek advice on how to improve their advertising. It doesn't provide advice on how to create more effective marketing communications beyond defining the purpose of advertising.

It is unfortunate that it may be difficult for many practitioners of advertising and marketing to understand Kirkpatrick's devastating critique of the various arguments put forth by advertising's enemies. That's because the refutation of such criticisms requires the application of higher level philosophic and economic concepts that are outside of most people's general context of knowledge. Kirkpatrick does a great job explaining the essence of these concepts, but by their nature, they are not easy for the uninitiated to understand, especially when brevity of presentation is maintained.

Perhaps the most prominent criticism of advertising as a medium is that it is inherently coercive and must be addressed by an opposing coercive intervention of government. As such, the critics of advertising qua salesmanship tend to be critics of free-markets, free-speech, and personal freedom in general. Advertising is an outcome of freedom, and Kirpatrick argues that an attack on one is really an attack on the other.

Another major criticism of advertising is that it promotes individual values as against conformity to so-called `higher' values. At base, this critique of advertising rests upon the dispute in ethics between the virtue of self-interest versus social-interest, or egoism versus altruism. Economically and politically, this translates to issues of free-markets versus command economies, or capitalism versus socialism.

Kirkpatrick succeeds in addressing the philosophic attacks against advertising at all levels of the philosophic hierarchy: metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, and politics. He does so by taking a scientific individualistic approach, appealing primarily to philosopher Ayn Rand and economist Ludwig von Mises as his guideposts, hence the subtitle of the book: Arguments from Reason, Ethical Egoism, and Laissez-Faire Capitalism.

The arguments in this book pose a major challenge to those who attack the benefits of advertising and take a liking to business-bashing in general. Those who are serious about understanding the deeper meaning of these attacks and the fallacies they are based on as a means to defend the nobility of the principle of freedom of trade, i.e., capitalism, should find a lot of ammunition in this important book.

Reviewed by Stephanie Rollins for Reader Views (3/07)

"In Defense of Advertising" by Jerry Kirkpatrick is not a book for the general public. I do not believe that the general public realizes that advertising needs to be defended. I also believe that in order to fully grasp the concepts in "In Defense of Advertising," the reader needs to have a few semesters of economics under their belt.

For those who are interested in economics and advertising, Kirkpatrick does a brilliant job of combining philosophy, ethics, and economics to defend the need for advertising. As Kirkpatrick explained, "The critics who denigrate advertising attack not only advertising but also--by logic necessity--capitalism, ethical egoism, and reason."

Critics of advertising argue that it damages the economy. Critics claim that advertising create monopolies. It creates a barrier to the market and it increases price. Critics claim that it decreases price elasticity. "The brand loyalty, in turn, makes it difficult for competitors to enter the market and, at the same time, enables the advertiser to increase prices." In an era where all business owners want a "brand," critics argue that branding contributes to this monopoly that destroys free enterprise. "Brand loyalty of consumers, then, is the actual barrier that prevents other firms from entering the market."

Kirkpatrick explains the doctrine of determinism. This belief is based upon the idea that man does not have free will. If you follow this belief, people are controlled by forces outside themselves. Kirkpatrick explains that the doctrine of determinism is founded on the assumption that our bodies are always at war with our minds. Picture the cliché devil on one shoulder and angel on the other shoulder.

Kirkpatrick describes the connections between Marxism, Socialism, and advertising. "Again, I must emphasize that not everyone who criticizes advertising on `social' or economic grounds is a Marxist--at least, not explicitly." Outside of academic circles, we would call them Marxists.

A social criticism of advertising is that it "offends the consumer's sense of good taste by insulting and degrading his intelligence." Kirkpatrick points out that "taste" is subjective. Who is elitist enough to appoint them the "good taste" police? Why do critics of advertising think that everyone but them is too uneducated to determine what "good taste" is? "In effect, these critics charge that consumers have no free will and, consequently, helpless pawns of the advertisers."

The Austrian School of Economics does find that advertising is a "legitimate function of business entrepreneurship." I take great offense in the critics' argument that the public, including myself, is not intelligent enough to make informed decisions.

Jerry Kirkpatrick's "In Defense of Advertising" should be required reading for economics and advertising students as it shows the real-world implications of advertising. "In Defense of Advertising" has an index, so it would be a great book to use as a reference for term papers. This is a must read for people studying or working in advertising.

Mr Kirkpatrick states the case for the role of advertising in a logical, reasonable and intellegent manner. This book should be required reading in every advertising classroom in the country. When I picked up this book I never expected to discover a professional that so passionately defends the importance of the postive role of advertising in a free-market system. Well written and an easy read.

This book constitutes a thoroughgoing philosophic analysis and defense of virtually all aspects of advertising. It traces the criticisms made of advertising to false philosophic and economic doctrines, such as determinism and the theory of pure and perfect competition. It defends advertising against such accusations as that it is coercive and monopolistic, creates artificial needs, and erects barriers to entry. The intellectual foundations of these and practically all other accusations against advertising are laid bare and Prof. Kirkpatrick carefully develops the foundations and substance of the replies to them. In the process, he sets forth the very important positive role of advertising and demonstrates its actual benevolence. This is an essential book for anyone seriously interested in understanding and defending the role of advertising in a free market. It should be of exceptional interest to Objectivists, inasmuch as it is largely inspired by the ideas of Ayn Rand.

I think most people's reaction to a 500 page book would be one of caution, myself included. It has nothing to do with the content, I just know it will take a while for me to get through that many pages.

That being said, this collection of Nader essays is a 500 page book, but it's been a joy reading it because of the organization of the book. Broken down into smaller chapters, the book is full of very short, but well-written essays usually no longer than two pages. It's very easy to read a few at a time, and then come back to the book later. I actually find myself reading this book faster than I would other books of the same length. Each piece is so short I usually end up telling myself, "I'll just read a few more." In the end, it makes the book easier to read.

As far as content goes, the book is great. I think if you're a genuinelly progressive person, you'll still like Nader even though the Democrats have tried to scapegoat him rather than admit their own problems as a party. This country needs people like Nader to remind us that we don't have to settle for what we have, that things can and should be better. This book sends that message loud and clear.

Deeply intelligent, in breadth and depth, these articles by Mr. Nader, who has given everything for just causes over nearly half a century, make eloquent, and plain, what so many others believe and either can't, or won't, say.

The October 23rd "review" pretty much sums up why John Kerry and his hysterical Anybody-But-Bush supporters were shellacked this week, while everything Ralph Nader said during the campaign was proved correct. Ignore the subject at hand, be hysterical and irrational, and wave empty slogans ("A vote for Nader is a vote for Bush" -- what does that mean? In Wyoming, where Kerry lost by over 20 points? In D.C., where Bush lost by over EIGHTY points? My vote would never have gone to Kerry under any circumstances....how was my vote for Nader a vote for Bush?)

Meanwhile, Ralph Nader continues on without a break and will now focus on the ridiculous ballot access laws in this country, as well as the subjects touched on in this book. What he "has done for us lately" is to start one new organization after another from 2000 to 2004, advocate on behalf of the District of Columbia's pathetic public library system - left to rot by the D.C. Democratic Party, which has done nothing for anybody in decades - and highlight solutions to other issues that are working right now in localities around the country. Read what he has to say in this book and climb on board. Roll up your sleeves and put up or shut up, Democrats.

A must read for anyone interested in how our government operates. There is a bit of repetition but a lot of good information and contacts for further research.

Genovisi, is as outstanding in this text as he is in the class room. Having taken his sexuality class in college, I can say that this text is absoulutely outstanding. If you want a look at the traditional teachings of the Catholic faith pertaining to sexuality and marriage buy this book, its one of a kind. I feel honored to have had him as a teacher, and honored to own a copy of this text, truly outstanding.

This excellent work by Genovesi highlights many of the important concerns in Catholic sexual ethics today. It is a very well-balanced book and offers the reader a wealth of interesting information. It is also easy to read, though long, and stirs up questions about how to be faithful to the Church teachings while being pastoral. I would recommend the book for someone who would like to know more detailed information on the Catholic view of Love and Sexuality and would also urge that reader to look over the various Church documents at the same time (i.e. Humanae Vitae, On the Pastoral Care of Homosexual Persons, Casti Conubii, and others).

This book adequately presents all major issues in sexual ethics and provides an illuminating discussion from the perspective of Catholic moral theology. The author gives room to all positions within the broad array of Catholic moral theologians today. As opposed to the dogmatic view of some manuals still used by seminaries and confessor, the author devotes space and energy to the discussion of moral arguments behind each moral solution. This book is very helpful to any layman or priest that wants to make sense of Catholic moral teaching in sexual matters.

A great resource for adults, both young and old, who are concerned with faith and living morally. Honest and straight forward, Genovesi confronts sexual issues that are sometimes difficult for the average individual to accept. His combination of theological and pyschological teachings deserves appreciation. Genovesi reveals the essentials of Love and sexual morality to those who need it the most, i.e., everyone.

Just finished Hadot's The Inner Citadel; and am astounded at Hadot's insights and depth of analysis. It leads me to understand Aurelius, his Meditations, and Stoicism. This provides a broader understanding of the context of the times as well as the contents of Aurelius' searching to be that "good man". Such is the unversal search of all.

This is a very insightful work into the Stoic philosophy of Marcus Aurelius - both informative and practical.

Hadot manages an academically rigorous analysis of the _Meditations_ while also bringing out the vibrancy and robust spirituality which must have accompanied the ancient philosophies. Where most secondary sources for the Stoics focus upon dry-as-dust technical logistics (which the ancients universally decried), Hadot brings to the foreground the true purpose of ancient meditation techniques, and provides readers some hints of what it might have been like to study Stoicism as a life-philosophy instead of merely an academic curiosity. The book also provides a wonderful synopsis of Epictetus' teaching and style, which strongly influenced M.A. A fine companion with Hadot's _Philosophy As a Way of Life_.

Until I read this marvelous book, I regarded the "Meditations" of Marcus Aurelius as somber reflections on life by a wise and sensitive observer -- but not as much more. "The Inner Citadel" shows that the "Meditations" were really spiritual exercises shaped by a coherent Stoic philosophy, and intended to entrench a Stoic outlook in Marcus Aurelius' soul. The book connects Marcus Aurelius to other Stoic thinkers such as Seneca and Epictetus, and shows that Stoicism was both a sophisticated ethical system and an appealing form of non-supernatural piety. Anyone who enjoyed the "Meditations" will love "The Inner Citadel." It's a thoughtful and eye-opening book. Six stars.

"Integrity does Matter"...In 2003 we expanded from 25 employees to 65 employess. With this tremendous growth many challenges arose. When the organization was small we were able to wrap our arms around it by nurturing staff and be very clear on our ethical and moral standards as and organization and call them on it when appropriate. But as we grew it became evident that something needed to happen. For the first time we were experiencing 50% turnover of our line staff. After reading Integrity Matters it was clear that we needed to develop and conduct our interviews that were value based. We still ask the everyday interview questions but now no matter what position we are hiring for, there are questions that determine as best we can the the value systems and the integrity of the potential employee...As a result I am happy to say that our turnover for line level staff in the past year is now approximately 15%...Integrity Matters!!!!

In a world of sound bites, flashing banner ads and tightly crammed news stories, reading Integrity Matters can help put a time-accelerated world into perspective.

The opening Dedication "For our children and grandchildren, and the grandchildren of our grandchildren" prompted the initial reflex of "where are Bracher and Halloran taking us this time"? Be realistic, this is just a two hundred page book, not The Oddesey by Homer, War and Peace or a book of the Bible. The first three chapters were a good sequence to transition the reader from the "Daily Panic" to: i) appreciate the fullness and urgency of the message, and ii) set me up with the stamina and mission to work through the Eight Attributes.

One key observation: the authors walk the walk and talk the talk in the letter responses. The newspaper article responses are a living example of graciousness. Stringing together entertaining zingers could sell more books and perhaps, expand newspaper readership, but the book does provide a certain graciousness allowing for the perspective of "the other side" in many cases.

The Eight Attributes are well constructed and appropriately partitioned.

The examples woven into the book were either extremely timely (corrupt executives by name, Sarbanes-Oxley legislation, Dixie Chicks) or timeless (the Butch O'Hare story, Adam Smith reference...). Printing a book with a fresh perspective in the Spring of 2004 takes some courage, because by the Spring of 2005, subsequent events have played out with even sharper examples of lost leadership or compelling heroes. Although the grandchildren of our grandchildren may neither remember or care about the Dixie Chicks from the Fall of 2004, the historical reference will mark the book in its time slot.

The Salinas Valley Agribusiness was a good celebration of an early victory. It was certain better that a traditional business boardroom scenario which is a path many books take when examining case studies.

At the risk of enforcing Political Correctness, this question can linger with the reader: if a person does not have an Alicia Nash or similar strong spouse model in their life, is fulfillment toward an Integrity-Centered Society out of reach? Clearly, your message of integrity is universal. This sense of inadvertently narrowing the "life-partner" scope by the authors is a dangling question for the reader. Perhaps a paragraph or two on war buddies, integrity-based clergy and key flock members spiritual leadership, teacher/student mentoring, co-founders of lasting business institutions or other deep one-on-one, life changing relationships could send a more universal challenge to the readers.

In summary, a solid first incursion into publishing by the two authors, a handy reference book for leaders, teachers, students and ethics experts. Hopefully, this book will become a highly relevant compilation of integrity issues by capturing a historical, societal inflection point, not judged by today's standards, but as judged by the grandchildren of our grandchildren.

Integrity has been the subject of many articles, news stories and cocktail party banter. No book will do more for the reader on this subject than "Integrity Matters". The "Case Study" methodology makes all the difference. Integrity is not all black and white. This book uses real life situations, realistically analyzed to help in the grey areas where most integrity issues are confronted. A must read book for everyone.

The collaborative work of James F. Bracher (Founder and Chairman of Dimension Five Consultants and creator of the Bracher Center for Integrity in Leadership) and Daniel E. Halloran (veteran of a forty year career in international leadership positions with Motorola), Integrity Matters is endorsed by more than seventy corporate leaders for its provision of insightful guidance on one of the most critical issues facing the business community in a post-Enron era. Deliberately written in a concise, conversational style, Integrity Matters deftly examines the current state of integrity in the corporate world and show-cases just why this quality of conduct is at the core of successful business -- and even more importantly, how to go about restoring integrity after it has been compromised by others. Integrity Matters should be mandatory reading for anyone holding a position of local, national, or international corporate responsibility.

"The range of ethical issues that arise in regard to the treatment of intersex infants, children, and adults is richly representative of clinical healthcare ethics generally. By incorporating the perspective of patients and their stories into its account, however, INTERSEX IN THE AGE OF ETHICS does more than introduce the questions of healthcare ethics in microcosm. It also leads the readers to examine the effect of ethical reflection on the lives of patients. INTERSEX IN THE AGE OF ETHICS is a model, in both senses of this word, of what thoughtful healthcare ethics reflection can accomplish. It embodies a conceptual model of ethical reflection that leads the reader to pose the right questions and to respond to them with patients' lives in mind. And it is a model in the evaluative sense--excellent, admirable, and deserving of imitation."

Alice Domurat Dreger has written what may well come to be regarded as the definitive work on intersexuality. By employing a collective and inclusive approach, Ms. Dreger is able to provide both personal and medical perspectives on intersexuality provided by individuals, their families and compassionate medical providers. She provides a brief forward to each chapter on the author and topic content which is illuminating and helps to assist the reader to focus on the material. This is a well-written book which, for the first time in a single printed volume, provides material solely dealing with intersexed individuals. This landmark book provides compelling reasons, based on the telling of personal odyssies, why only those people affected should be the decision makers in their care. I hope that every intersexed person, every family member or parent of an intersexed individual reads this book. And I pray that every medical professional who treats intersexed individuals, beginning with obstetricians, pediatricians and pediatric urologists, takes to heart the suggestions for adapting care to a patient-directed philosophy of medical care.

This is not only a book for practitioners of medicine or individuals dealing with their own intersexuality. This is a book that has lessons to offer to everyone, lessons on ethics and how other human beings should be treated, lessons on sexuality that would improve the human race if only we would learn, lessons on parenting and the heavy burden of making decisions about another human's life. The lessons on what sex and sexuality really involve should offer insights to all of the five (or more) sexes that inhabit this planet. I found the wealth of new information useful and interesting, but I also found that the tales of individuals and their histories greatly enhanced my understanding of the real impact of the facts presented. The consistent history of parents and doctors making decisions on behalf of young children should make us all pause the next time we set out to make a decision for or about another human being- a patient, a child, an aging parent, whoever- and ask oursevles whether we really understand the consequences of what we are doing, whether we are really the one who should be making the decision, and whether there is any way to allow the decision to be made by the individual who will in the end bear the consequences of what we decide. This book made me laugh, it made me cry more than once, and I was suprised at how much I learned about myself. By the end I felt like I wanted to meet and talk to most of the contributors to the book.

This is not only a book for practitioners of medicine or individuals dealing with their own intersexuality. This is a book that has lessons to offer to everyone, lessons on ethics and how other human beings should be treated, lessons on sexuality that would improve the human race if only we would learn, lessons on parenting and the heavy burden of making decisions about another human's life. The lessons on what sex and sexuality really involve should offer insights to all of the five (or more) sexes that inhabit this planet. I found the wealth of new information useful and interesting, but I also found that the tales of individuals and their histories greatly enhanced my understanding of the real impact of the facts presented. The consistent history of parents and doctors making decisions on behalf of young children should make us all pause the next time we set out to make a decision for or about another human being- a patient, a child, an aging parent, whoever- and ask oursevles whether we really understand the consequences of what we are doing, whether we are really the one who should be making the decision, and whether there is any way to allow the decision to be made by the individual who will in the end bear the consequences of what we decide. This book made me laugh, it made me cry more than once, and I was suprised at how much I learned about myself. By the end I felt like I wanted to meet and talk to most of the contributors to the book.

At first Glance this book looked boring, but as I looked closer and read it, it became good

Mackler presents a balanced and insightful discussion of bioethics issues today. His summary of both the Catholic and Jewish perspectives present both the divergent and often convergent views of these major faiths. His discussion summarizes the social issues that many struggle with on a very personal level. This is a must read for anyone seeking to understand the religious background, as well as current religious viewpoints, regarding the very personal and painful issues such as abortion and euthanasia. A good read for the general public in addition to health care professionals and religious leaders.

Leavened with compassion, common sense, and a readable style, this introduction to complicated bioethical issues from both Jewish and Catholic perspectives is as informative as it is undaunting. Dr. Mackler takes the reader through methodology in Roman Catholic moral theology and compares and contrasts it with methodology as it is practiced in Jewish ethics. He then skillfully wends his way through many topics foremost on the contemporary ethical agenda for both Jewish and Catholic ethicists: euthanasia and assisted suicide, end-of-life decisions, abortion, in vitro fertilization, and the ever-growing problem of justice regarding access to health care and medical resources. A concluding chapter summarizes general tendencies in the comparison of the two traditions, and addresses the significance of convergence and divergence between these traditions for moral thinkers within each faith community, and generally in western democracies such as the United States.

As Dr. Mackler overviews these issues, he points out the divergences and the commonalities between the two traditions-clarifying each position and outlining the structure of thinking that supports them. At the heart of both Catholic and Jewish perspectives on bioethics is a life-affirming core, and while there may be differences in the "why" of those ethical divergences, and in the "how" each arrived at varying-or the same-conclusions, both traditions, in the words of James McCartney as quoted in the introduction, "are guided by the principle that life is precious; that we are bidden to preserve and guard our health; that we are bidden to intervene in nature to raise the human estate; and that our lives are not our own, but are part of the legacy bequeathed to us by the Creator." This book has been carefully crafted in that spirit.

"The Roman Catholic and Jewish traditions in medical ethics are centuries old but still influential with millions of patients, health professionals, and the public. Anyone hoping to understand the spectrum of bioethical opinions today will want to read this superb, well-written, and accurate summary of the similarities and differences in both traditions. Highly recommended to scholars, health professionals, policymakers, and bioethicists." -Edmund D. Pellegrino, professor emeritus of medicine and medical ethics, Georgetown University

"In this important book, Mackler provides a nuanced comparison of Jewish and Roman Catholic bioethics in their respective moral methods and their discussions of five specific topics. Mackler's mastery of the literature from both traditions is obvious, and his conclusions are balanced. He compellingly traces the rich common ground of values that the traditions share, as well as ways that their characteristic differences may be mutually instructive." -Andrew Lustig, department of religious studies, Rice University

"Aaron Mackler is one of the most thoughtful and thorough scholars of the field of Jewish bioethics, and this book is in a sense a continuation of a dialogue both historical and central to religious ethics, the interlocution between Jewish and Catholic interpretive communities, as both struggle with the emerging dilemmas of contemporary medicine." -Laurie Zoloth, professor of medical ethics and humanities, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University

If you're afraid of the truth, do not read this book.

If you run a company and would like to make it better, go ahead and buy it because it's honest, it's on target and it will help you grow your business.

I've read over 25 best-selling business books and Steve Bryant has hit a home run with this one.

Common sense today is sometimes pushed to the side as Business Managers, Executives and Entrepeneurs search for the latest business fads to make them and their companies succesfull. The author of "It's Mom and Pop" gets to the real bottom line through common sense, practical processes and experience. It will rival all the reccomended reading for new business managers as well as seasoned professionals and lead them back to the basics of business management.

Bud Honshell V.P. Operations

Signet Expressions, LTD.

"Mom and Pop," gives me lessons never learned in college as a young General Manager of a growing family business.Good enough that we ordered 100 copies to pass out to our top accounts! Josh Wildman,G.M. Wildman Uniform & Linen

Practical wisdom with each point, wrapped in the real stories of a seasoned veteran. It's like having a proven consultant on retainer. This book should become every managers operational bible. Read it, apply it...then EXPECT TO WIN!

Brent Wildman, Owner Wildman Uniform & Linen

I learned the Jewish ethical guidelines for everything from employee/management relations to downloading music from the Internet. It is a brilliant book, easy to comprehend and use for a moral compass. I'd also recommend it for non-Jews as well.

Most of the essays in this book involved issues that could be understood by a reasonably intelligent 12-year-old- and those essays were generally well-written.

And some essays point out issues that I might not have thought of on my own; for example, the author points out that a house painter who works on a "cash only" basis may be trying to avoid taxes, and that you should avoid such transactions because under halacha, abetting wrongdoing is improper even if it would occur anyhow.

What if the painter tells you the transaction is "cash only" only after the work is done? Meir draws an interesting analogy: if an employee fraudulently tells the employer that the local customary salary is higher than it really is, the employer is bound only to pay the actual customary salary. In the painter situation, the employer is thus only bound to pay the customary salary for "over the table" receipted work.

Meir also writes thoughtful essays on issues related to whistleblowing (e.g. if one sees a petty shoplifter, or a student cheating on a test). 5 factors are relevant: certainty (make sure there really is wrongdoing going on), benefit (constructive benefit to some victimized party), equity (don't report if the harm to the wrongdoer is likely to be disproportionate to the noxiousness of the misconduct), desire (pure intent by the whistleblower), and accuracy (if you do report wrongdoing, don't exaggerate).

Sometimes Meir overreaches, writing about issues not easily amenable to common sense solutions. For example, one essay on international trade was a bit confusing- not what I would have expected from someone with an economics background. (As far as I can tell, he tends to favor "buying locally").

This book consists of a series of essays on various ethical topics, most of which (but not all) deal with ethical dilemmas encountered in the real workaday world. What apppeals to me is the writer's rigorous, analytical, and systematic approach to problems, as opposed to expressing vague, politically correct, feel-good sentiments. I warmly recommend the book to individuals who are looking for a thoroughgoing, non-superficial approach to solving moral conundrums.

Rabbi Dr. Asher Meir, economist and ethicist, presents The Jewish Ethicist: Everyday Ethics For Business And Life, a practical guide to morality and ethics in an increasingly complex modern world. Presented largely in a question-and-answer format, The Jewish Ethicist offers frank advice to such conundrums as "Is it ethical to buy from low-wage suppliers?", "Can I be frank in a letter of reference?", and "Are Commercial Dating and Matchmaking Services Ethical?" Rabbi Meir addresses each question in depth, discussing varying circumstances under which the given situation could take place, and explaining the rationale behind judgments of modern day morality and ethics. The Jewish Ethicist scrupulously avoids oversimplification of diverse complex dilemmas ("principles do not exist in a vacuum", Meir comments), while at the same time presenting Meir's wisdom in direct terms. Though The Jewish Ethicist scrutinizes modern morality from a distinctly Jewish perspective, its discussion and justifications reach well beyond scriptural law into the matter-of-fact realm of practical morality - actions can and are characterized as unethical not just because a holy text says so, but because they promote unhappiness, self-aggrandizement at the expense of others, or worse. Highly recommended for readers of all faiths.

An exceptional book by far the best translation of the Shrimat Bhagwat Gita. You can also call it Shrimat Bhagwat Gita for Dummies.

I recently purchased my second copy of this book. The Jnaneshwari is an amazing window into the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita. A hallmark of this work is the beauty of the language Jnaneshwar Maharaj uses to unpack and explain the many subtleties in the Bhagavad Gita's verses. I've read many translations of this work and Swami Kripananda's approach is by far the most heart-felt and inspiring.

This is a fabulous interpretation of a timeless epic. I have always been spiritual but have never identified with or even trusted religion. However, in spite of my skepticism, I could not deny the truths that were put before me in this book. I was able to easily understand and apply the teachings that were imparted by the writer. There is huge amounts of beauty and power in the translation. Jnanadeva, an Indian prince, lived in the thirteenth century. He used his great vision and wisdom to achieve a simple and poetic work based on a massive collection of ancient writings.

It has truly improved my health, relationships, and sense of spirituality immeasurably. I highly recommend it!

I wholeheartedly agree with the previous review. I was going through a rough time in my life when I noticed a non-hindu friend reading from this book. The poetry and meaning are simply beautiful. I had forgotten the power of meditation and faith(not religion). But the truths contained in this translation are absolutely undeniable. This book has changed my life and I read from it every day. I wish that I could share it with everyone...