Most Good, Least Harm: A Simple Principle for a Better World and Meaningful Life

by Zoe Weil

Book Overview

With a world steeped in materialism, environmental destruction, and injustice, what can one individual possibly do to change it? While the present obstacles we face may seem overwhelming, author and humane educator Zoe Weil shows us that change doesn't have to start with an army. It starts with you. Through her straightforward approaches to living a MOGO, or "most good," life, she reveals that the true path to inner peace doesn't require a...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1582702063
• ISBN13: 9781582702063
• Release Date: January 2009
• Publisher: Atria Books
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.4" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

Why isn't everyone reading this book?

Even though Most Good Least Harm has been out for a few months, I have not seen it take off the way it should. It is the perfect compendium for a life of purpose and meaning, a life that helps us individually and as co-creators of global culture. I have to believe that there are many people in the world who would like to make choices that favor compassion and sustainability but are unclear as to how to make these choices. The whole purpose of our schooling should be educating us in ways that help us survive. If we don't learn how to survive on our planet, how can we ever hope to thrive? Even some of our smallest personal choices have global consequences and Zoe Weil carefully and insightfully shows us these links. Most Good Least Harm is a primer for people who care about themselves, each other, the planet and all species. Doesn't that include most of us? Please try to get this book into the hands of people you love, people who want to make choices that do the most good in the world, and create the least harm.

Excellent book

This is a very important book. We not only need positive solutions to today's problems, we need support, motivation, and inspiration. Most Good, Least Harm offers this. I especially appreciated the non-judgmental tone and the sense of invitation rather than condemnation. Zoe Weil does a remarkable job of introducing people to the path of changemaking while also providing an excellent resource for seasoned activists.

Good ideas, worth reading

This is the third book of Zoe's that I've read. While the Power and Promise of Humane Education is my favorite, I do think this one is worth reading. The idea of inspiring people to live their life making decisions that create the most good and least harm is great. And if more people adopt such a lifestyle the world will be a better place. This book is worth reading and the principles are well worth exploring.

Wonderful and hopeful book!

Zoe Weil has written a wonderful guide to help readers make decisions that will bring about the most good for the world with the least amount of harm. She calls this the MOGO principle. This book was a joy to read. I plan to share Most Good Least Harm with my parents and in-laws to help explain how my husband and I are going to try to raise our baby daughter. Ms. Weil wrote another book called Above All, Be Kind: Raising a Humane Child in Challenging Times that is also a fantastic book and provides great advice for how to raise a kind child. I love the tone of her books b/c they are not preachy and she has followed her own advice b/c they are written in a very kind manner. Oh and I really loved the recommended resources section at the end of the book--it is very comprehensive and even has a section on investing and finances.

A book for the reluctant, the antagonist or the aspiring eco conscious

At last a book that will include the most important step of all in living a green or socially responsible lifestyle: Do as much as you can, but do something! The principle of MOGO (Most Good) is what I've been telling people for a long time. It is not only necessary to learn about the issues and our impact on people, animals and the planet, but most important, chose something and start making changes. Zoe writes about it throughout the book using personal examples as well as stories from her students, neighbors, friends or people she encountered in her life. Her seven keys to MOGO are not forceful but encouraging, and she raises the questions that the most combative or reluctant reader might ask to demonstrate that no matter what obstacles we may stumble upon, there is always a choice you could make that can mitigate your impact. This book doesn't constantly rehash the problems that have happened in the past, are still occurring, or might happen in the future; instead, it offers clear steps and solutions to make changes in your life as well as in your community and the world. One step at a time, you will see how you can live a more fulfilling and meaningful life, while participating in making changes for a better world. The tone of the book is very humble and persuasive, and enables even the most reluctant to take small steps to change. Bravo!