The Unspoken Morality of Childhood: Family, Friendship, Self-Esteem and the Wisdom of the Everyday

The Unspoken Morality of Childhood is a collection of essays that explore the moral questions we all encounter in everyday life, offering insight into critical moral topics such as nostalgia, forgiveness, identity, and self-esteem.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 10 May 2022
Publisher: Anthem Press

The Unspoken Morality of Childhood is a collection of essays that delve into the moral dilemmas we face in our daily lives. Written by a senior ethicist, the book offers insightful reflections on commonplace events such as a child learning to read, first graders bonding on playground swings, brothers talking on the way home from school, and a young girl leaving for college. Through her sensitive and tender portrayal of these moments, Monroe highlights the beauty and wisdom in our daily routines, as well as the ethical issues that arise.

One of the key themes in the book is the exploitation of nostalgia and love of home by unscrupulous politicians who use fear to divide us. Monroe argues that these politicians can manipulate our emotions and use them to their advantage, ultimately leading to division and conflict. However, she also suggests that forgiveness may not always be the best way to move on after a hurt, and that moral imagination can be a powerful tool for conceptualizing our way out of seemingly intractable problems.

Another important theme in the book is the concept of agency, passion, unconditional love, and the painful growth that can accompany loss. Monroe explores how these emotions can shape our lives and how we can navigate them in order to live fulfilling and meaningful lives. She also emphasizes the importance of recognizing the humanity in others in order to fully claim it in ourselves.

Overall, The Unspoken Morality of Childhood is a thought-provoking and insightful book that offers valuable insights into the moral questions we all encounter in our daily lives. Monroe's writing is accessible and engaging, and her reflections on the ethical issues raised are thought-provoking and relevant to readers of all ages.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 216 x 140 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839982392