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“Lasting happiness can only be achieved through cultivation of soul and mind.��

Ben Shapiro’s THE RIGHT SIDE OF HISTORY is exactly what its sub-title promises, an overview of how “reason and moral purpose made the West great��. The book is a compelling exploration of the philosophical and moral foundations that have shaped Western civilization.
With sharp analysis and historical depth, Shapiro takes readers on a journey through the Judeo-Christian and Greco-Roman traditions (from the ancient to the present day) demonstrating how these ideas have influenced the development of reason, morality, and individual rights. As I was reading this book I kept thinking of introductory Philosophy of Western Civilization classes from college. This book is a more interesting version of those classes. And since many crap colleges probably would not deign to teach a course like that anymore, it is a needed text!

Shapiro’s writing style makes complex philosophical concepts accessible, while his passionate defense of these principles highlights their continued relevance in today’s cultural and political landscape. If there is an overarching theme to this text it is the idea of the necessity of a cultural moral foundation. Shapiro writes, “…cultivating our souls and minds requires us to live with moral purpose.�� This book does a nice job of fleshing out that argument.

In the Introduction these two thoughts are posed to the reader: # 1, “Why are things so good?�� and # 2, “Why are we blowing it?�� This book gives one lots to think about in regard to both questions.
Whether one agrees with all Mr. Shapiro’s conclusions or not, THE RIGHT SIDE OF HISTORY offers a thought-provoking and insightful reflection on the values that have defined the Western world.