I approached this book with relatively low expectations. Based on Saad's public persona, I expected a stream of rants, sarcasm, and emotional appeals. I was pleasantly surprised to find a more substantive book. Beneath the polemics lies a considerable amount of scholarship, well-reasoned argument, and accessible popular sociology.
Saad argues that societies can undermine themselves when empathy becomes detached from prudence, reciprocity, or long-term consequences. Drawing on evolutionary psychology, history, and contemporary cultural debates, he critiques ideas and policies that he believes place moral signaling ahead of practical outcomes. The central thesis is presented clearly and supported with far more evidence than I expected.
The book still contains plenty of the sarcasm and rhetorical flourishes that characterize Saad's writing. I had hoped he would provide more practical guidance. After diagnosing what he sees as serious cultural problems, he offers relatively little advice about how to persuade skeptics, overcome conspiracy thinking, or change public policy.
Even so, I enjoyed the book. It is concise, well researched, and thought-provoking. I found the strongest sections careful enough to merit serious consideration. 4/5 stars.
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