Customer Reviews

Is It Still Cheating If I Don't Get Caught?

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What should you do when you hear people trash talking your best friend? What should you do if some of your teammates are using steroids and they encourage you to do likewise? What's the harm in sneaking into a second movie in a multiplex theater after the one you paid for has ended?

Sometimes figuring out the right thing to do feels as random as figuring out English grammar and spelling: It seems like there are a billion rules and a billion more exceptions to the rules. But in a great little book he's written, Bruce Weinstein, The Ethics Guy, brings some order and good sense to the insanity that we call Life.

In the introductory chapters of IS IT STILL CHEATING IF I DON'T GET CAUGHT? Weinstein introduces five ethical principles to be utilized as the foundation for how we should make decisions and live our lives:

1. Do No Harm.
2. Make Things Better.
3. Respect Others.
4. Be Fair.
5. Be Loving.

He then illustrates through dozens of scenarios how we can apply these five "Life Principles" to the sort of dilemmas which Twenty-first century adolescents (and adults) are commonly facing. Together, these Principles and the accompanying scenarios offer a great platform for contemplation and for thoughtful discussions about how to behave ethically.

In the introductory chapters, the author also defines ethics and takes apart three myths about ethics:
Myth #1: If It's Legal, It's Right, and If It's Illegal, It's Wrong.
Myth #2: If Everyone Is Doing It, It Must Be Right.
Myth #3: If It Feels Right, It Is Right.

What I particularly appreciate is how the author does such a great job of making you feel that who you are to the world -- how most people see and judge you -- is based upon your behavior. There is nothing more precious than your credibility and your integrity, and if you regularly make thoughtful decisions based upon these five Life Principles, then people are going to find you more attractive. And you'll be liking yourself a lot more, too.

This is a well written, important book for our time. Given our country's recent downturn created mainly by the unethical behavior of those in high places, it's necessary to give children guidelines for ethical behavior. Not to just tell them what is right and good but to enable them to figure it out by themselves. This book is the perfect way to start them talking and help them to reason through their decisions so that they can do the right thing for themselves and for others.
Is It Still Cheating If I Don't Get Caught should be in every family's library and every library in every school. It is an effective teaching tool in both situations and engaging reading for all.

A quick and timely read for young people and anyone who is interested in helping them to understand that they have an obligation to do what they know is right and have a responsibility to others to "do no harm." Our youth are inundated with information and much of what they are hearing is "do your own thing," or "it's ok if it doesn't hurt anyone." Our culture idolizes pop stars, movie stars and athletes who don't always do what is ethical and our kids see this. They are watching people like Kanye West and Serena Williams to see what happens next. Kids may think, "What's so wrong with taking steroids if it makes me a better athlete?" This book gives timely examples of what to do in specific situations and the five life principles are easy to apply to any situation or decision. Great illustrations too!

I enjoyed the approach and thought this would be a good concept for a homeroom teacher to utilize with upper elementary, middle school, or perhaps ninth grade students.

It is fun to read and great to use it to kill time. Also can improve the way of life...