Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get started
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Listen to the Intro
Morality summary
Jonathan Sacks
Restoring the Common Good in Divided Times
27 mins
Brief summary
'Morality' by Jonathan Sacks is a thought-provoking book that explores the values and principles that underpin our society, and how these have been eroded over time. The book argues that we need to rediscover the importance of moral principles in our lives if we are to build a better future for ourselves and our communities.
Topics
Table of Contents
Morality
Summary of 9 key ideas
Audio & text in the Blinkist app
Key idea 1 of 9
Society’s emphasis on individuality leaves us isolated and vulnerable.
Beethoven, Bach, Brahms. All of these men devoted their entire lives to composing symphonies. With their intense dedication and powerful talents, they penned some of the most beautiful orchestral music in history. Yet without the orchestra, we would never have heard it.
The fact is, even a genius can’t bring a symphony to life on his own. It takes the teamwork and coordination of dozens of musicians all working together. Without this community effort, all grand symphonies would be reduced to rather lonely solos.
The key message here is: Society’s emphasis on individuality leaves us isolated and vulnerable.
For the past few decades, society has become increasingly focused on the individual. This shift is reflected all over our culture, even in our pop music. A study from the University of Kentucky found that since 1980, hit songs have included fewer lyrics about “we” and “us” and more about “me” and “I.”
But that’s just a small example. Our lifestyles have changed, too. These days, people live more solitary lives. They marry later, have fewer children, and join fewer social groups than in the past. In the United States, the percentage of people living alone has doubled in just 50 years. In large cities, nearly half of all people live on their own.
This shift toward individuality has left us lonelier, which can have dire consequences. For one, chronic loneliness has serious health implications. Research has linked feeling alone to higher stress levels and reduced immune system response. One study even found that long-term loneliness is as harmful to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
Our obsession with individualism has also boosted the self-help industry. Each year, thousands of books are published that claim we can fix our problems by focusing on ourselves. But this narcissistic impulse only leaves us more lonely and disconnected.
A better way for us to improve our lives is to act in service to others. You can do this by stepping outside yourself and evaluating your behavior from an outsider's perspective. Rather than basing your actions and decisions around your immediate needs and desires, reflect on how others may experience your actions.
Such an approach to life values the collective “us” over the individual “I.” This process is sometimes called “unselfing” and is the basis of morality. In the next blinks, we’ll delve deeper into why this process can be so difficult.
Want to see all full key ideas from Morality?
Key ideas in Morality
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Morality about?
Morality (2020) is a detailed deconstruction of our current social climate and a lucid account of how we got here. Part intellectual history and part manifesto of moral truths, this thoughtful work uncovers the roots of the rifts in contemporary society and points out a path toward a more just future.
Morality Review
Morality (2020) by Jonathan Sacks is a thought-provoking exploration of the values and principles that shape our moral compass. Here's why this book is a gem:
- With a focus on philosophical and religious perspectives, it offers a multidimensional understanding of morality, catering to a wide range of readers.
- Through compelling arguments and real-life examples, it challenges conventional wisdom, prompting readers to reflect on their own ethical beliefs.
- By illustrating how morality impacts society and individuals, Sacks drives home the importance of living an ethical life, leaving readers inspired and eager to apply the lessons in their own lives.
Best quote from Morality
Morality is precisely un-self-help. It is about strengthening our relationships with others.
—Jonathan Sacks
Who should read Morality?
- Lost souls seeking guidance in times of trouble
- Citizens searching for justice in politics
- Anyone concerned about the state of modern society
Categories with Morality
Book summaries like Morality
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
37 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Morality FAQs
What is the main message of Morality?
The main message of Morality is to prioritize ethics and moral values in our lives.
How long does it take to read Morality?
The reading time for Morality varies based on the individual's reading speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Morality a good book? Is it worth reading?
Morality is a thought-provoking book that sheds light on important moral questions. It's definitely worth a read.
Who is the author of Morality?
Jonathan Sacks is the author of Morality.
What to read after Morality?
If you're wondering what to read next after Morality, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Blank Slate by Steven Pinker
- Built to Move by Kelly Starrett & Juliet Starrett
- The Seven Tensions of Negotiation by Cash Nickerson
- The Two Fundamental Problems of Ethics by Arthur Schopenhauer
- How Successful People Lead by John C. Maxwell
- The Hidden Power of the Five Hearts by Kimberly Snyder
- 5 Types of People Who Can Ruin Your Life by Bill Eddy
- The Power Pause by Neha Ruch
- Eclipse of Reason by Max Horkheimer
- How the World Eats by Julian Baggini