The Power of Ideals: Summary Review
This is a summary review of The Power of Ideals containing key details about The Power of Ideals.
What is The Power of Ideals About?
"The Power of Ideals: The Real Story of Moral Choice" is a book by William Damon and Anne Colby, two leading experts in the field of developmental psychology. The book explores the role of ideals in moral development and the ways in which they can influence individual behavior and societal change.
The Power of Ideals presents a different vision, supported by a different kind of evidence. It examines the lives and work of six 20th century moral leaders who pursued moral causes ranging from world peace to social justice and human rights. Using these six cases to illustrate how people can make choices guided by their moral convictions, rather than by base emotion or social pressures, the authors explore the workings of three virtues: inner truthfulness, humility, and faith. Through their portrayal of the noble lives of moral leaders, the authors argue that all of us--with ordinary lives--can exercise control over important life decisions and pursue ideals that we believe in.
Summary Points & Takeaways from The Power of Ideals
Some key summary points and takeaways from the book include:
* The definition of ideals: Damon and Colby define ideals as "desirable, high-level goals" that guide individuals in their moral development and decision-making.
* The importance of ideals in moral development: Damon and Colby argue that ideals are a critical aspect of moral development, and that they play a key role in shaping individuals' values and beliefs.
* The role of ideals in promoting positive change: Damon and Colby argue that ideals can play a powerful role in promoting positive change and influencing individuals to act in ways that contribute to the greater good.
* The relationship between ideals and moral behavior: Damon and Colby explore the relationship between ideals and moral behavior, and discuss the various ways in which individuals can align their ideals with their actions.
* The challenges of ideals in a changing world: Damon and Colby discuss the challenges of maintaining ideals in a rapidly changing world, and explore the ways in which individuals can adapt their ideals to changing circumstances while remaining true to their core values.
* The book is a thought-provoking and inspiring examination of the role of ideals in moral development and positive change, and it offers valuable insights into the ways in which ideals can shape individual behavior and societal change.
Who is the author of The Power of Ideals?
William Damon is Professor of Education at Stanford University and Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution on War, Revolution, and Peace. He is an author of eighteen books, including Greater Expectations, which won the Parents' Choice Book Award.
Anne Colby is Consulting Professor at Stanford University. Previously, she was Senior Scholar at the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and director of the Murray Research Center at Harvard University. Colby received the Kuhmerker Award from the Association of Moral Education for lifetime achievement in the field of moral development.
Book details
- Print length: 240 pages
- Genre: Psychology, Philosophy
What are the chapters in The Power of Ideals?
Chapter 1: Wrong Turns in the New Science of Morality
Chapter 2: The Active, Ideal-Seeking, Motivated Moral Self
Chapter 3: Towards A Moral Psychology in Full
Chapter 4: Truthfulness
Chapter 5: Humility
Chapter 6: Faith
Chapter 7: The Universal Search for Moral Truth
What do critics say?
Here's what one of the prominent reviewers had to say about the book: "As only Damon and Colby can do, the authors provide an expert, candid, and refreshing discussion of the complexities of the moral life. Looking for no easy answers, they raise concerns regarding popular trends in deterministic approaches and embrace the messiness of moral psychology-providing a vision for the roles of biology, culture, reason, emotions, imagination, behaviors, and virtue. Daring to explore issues of faith, unlike most social scientists, the authors offer a novel and important portrayal of the resources and demands of secular and religious faith in the quest to live a moral life. Readers beware-their unique approach of delving into the lives of actual historic, moral heroes does not just inform, but threatens to transform. The Power of Ideals offers a road map and gives hope that social change through moral excellence is accessible to the all of us." — Pamela Ebstyne King, Ph.D., Associate Professor at Fuller Theological Semiary
* The editor of this summary review made every effort to maintain information accuracy, including any published quotes, chapters, or takeaways. If you're interested in furthering your personal development, I invite you to check out my list of favorite personal development books page. On this page, you'll find a curated list of books that have personally impacted my life, each with a summary and key lessons.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
