Morality in the West is often dismissed as trivial and outdated. Concepts of good and evil are highly susceptible to interpretation, with ethics preferably set aside so as not to unduly encroach on our daily pleasures. One of the most ill-considered, unpopular, yet underrated aspects of Western society is the diminishing role of conscience. Though conscience belongs to the mechanisms governing our behaviour, its importance should not be underestimated. But where should the contemporary person derive their ethical code? To what extent should morality be mutually agreed upon versus individually determined? Ultimately, these choices shape the benevolence or malevolence of one's contribution to the world and the legacy left for future generations.
Age-old monotheistic religions have proffered answers, though not without imperfect results, as enduring conflict and wars fought in the name of God make clear. What guidance do they offer on more modern ethical dilemmas like the mistreatment of animals and nature or emerging technologies like genetic engineering and artificial intelligence?
This testimonial aims to provide a moral compass - a tool that has been useful to me personally. In the quicksand of social media, where complacency lets morality slip into simplistic extremes of 'good' versus 'evil', this book offers a framework for ethical reasoning and decision making.