Morality: Restoring the Common Good in Divided Times

We are living through a period of cultural climate change that has led to the outsourcing of morality to the markets and the state. This has had a profound impact on society, with traditional values no longer holding and modern ideals of tolerance leaving many feeling rudderless. Sacks argues that there is no liberty without morality and no freedom without responsibility, and that we must play our part in rebuilding our common moral foundation to discover the life-transforming and counterintuitive truths that a nation is strong when it cares for the weak and rich when it cares for the poor.

Format: Hardback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 12 March 2020
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

We are currently experiencing a significant shift in the cultural climate, marked by a complex interplay between market forces and governmental institutions. On the one hand, we have delegated moral responsibility to the markets, while on the other, the state has taken on the task of mitigating the worst extremes of inequality. While the markets have brought prosperity to many, they are not equipped to provide us with a comprehensive moral framework for living. Similarly, while the state has made strides in addressing inequality, it lacks the capacity to guide us in cultivating a virtuous and ethical existence.

This profound transformation has had a profound impact on society, shaping the way we interact with one another. Traditional values have lost their sway, while modern ideals of tolerance have left many individuals feeling uncertain and disoriented. In this environment, unexpected events and phenomena emerge, such as toxic public discourse, the rise of identity politics, and the prevalence of a victimhood mentality. The influence of social media has become pervasive, leading to the breakdown of social capital and contributing to a sense of fear and uncertainty about the future.

In his book, "The Cost of Living," Jonathan Sacks offers a devastatingly insightful critique of our modern condition, tracing its roots from ancient Greece to the Reformation and Enlightenment and extending to the present day. Sacks argues that there can be no liberty without morality, and no freedom without responsibility. He emphasizes the importance of rebuilding our common moral foundation if we are to secure a prosperous and sustainable future for Western civilization.

Sacks offers a vision of a world in which we can all find our place and face the future without fear. He advocates for a society that values compassion, empathy, and social justice, where individuals are valued for their unique contributions and where everyone has access to the resources they need to thrive. He also highlights the importance of individual responsibility, urging us to take action to address the challenges facing our society and to work towards building a more equitable and inclusive world.

In conclusion, we are living through a period of cultural climate change that requires us to reassess our moral framework and our relationship with the markets and the state. By embracing a common moral foundation and working towards a more compassionate and equitable society, we can secure a prosperous and sustainable future for ourselves and future generations.

Weight: 614g
Dimension: 166 x 246 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781473617315