How Could You Do That?: The Abdication of Character, Courage, and Conscience

There is really no such thing as unconditional self-acceptance. Those who say so are promulgating a pernicious falsehood. One must first live a decent, honorable and productive life. Only then do you get to feel good about yourself. Seeking to heedlessly gratify your desires or impulses of the moment to do things (or fail to do things) your conscience knows to be contrary to your standards of right, worthy and virtuous behavior is, in a mental, emotional and spiritual sense, akin to spending capital that you have not earned, and therefore will eventually cause you to feel very negatively not just about your behavior but also about who and what you are (except, perhaps, for sociopaths). You cannot have your cake and eat it too. The longer, for better or worse, you behave in certain ways, the more it comes to define you, not only to others but also to yourself. Thank you, Dr. Laura, for helping me to learn this lesson of life.

you won't find it here!Many moral and ethical systems are difficult to understand. If you have trouble with Kirkegaard, but still want to improve yourself and do good in the world, this book will be very helpful to you. It outlines clearly and in an entertaining fashion how to make moral decisions. It's actually very simple: if your conscience tells you something is wrong, or if you find yourself saying, "I know I shouldn't, but..." just don't do it! This book is a breath of fresh air.

This person has more insight into spirit and character than many shrink, clergy or parent. Don't read this if you are comfortable making excuses for your actions or inaction. You will not get sympathy for that. However, if you have decided that you want to stop justifying your actions and really do the right thing, this book is the kick in the pants that you need.No one is born with character, courage and conscience. These are traits we all have to learn and earn and wear proudly on our sleeve.

I've read more books in my 23 years than most have in their entire life and I have to say that this is the most amazing, on point book I have ever read. If anyone can say anything negative about this book I would be shocked. She basically simplifies and breaks down life. The advice she has given in the book and on her show is advice that is right on point. We know what what is right and wrong yet we usually choose what is easiest, often suffering in the long run. If people were to live their lives with honesty and integrity, the world would be an easier place. If you've read this book and was offended, chances are you've been in the same situation as some of the examples in the book and don't want to admit that you were wrong. I think that the guidelines set in this book should be taught to every child and adult on the planet.

Having only heard Dr. Laura's radio show a couple of times I was reluctant to try this book. I thought she treated her callers rather rough. Now I know why. She is trying to use the minimal amount of time she has to help the caller view the situation from a position few think of, that of right and wrong. This was a fun book to listen to (I had the unabridged book on tape). Yes, fun. The reader started sounding just like Dr. Laura and was most interesting. I had the impression I was listening to Dr. Laura herself dictate the book. Her examples from people who had called or written her were interesting and helped clarify her positions. Dr. Schlessinger made a powerful plea for using character, consience and courage in our life decisions. I have always believed in good and evil, right and wrong. This book helped me understand why good and right are the best way from what almost seems like a purely practical standpoint. Hearing this subject from the religious pulpit is fine, but it is about time we started hearing about it from other sources as well. Thank you Dr. Laura.