Moral Man and Immoral Society: A Study in Ethics and Politics

This isn't a new book, but its a very important one — arguably, even more important right now. Moral Man and Immoral Society attempts to explain why individuals can be good, but once they're clustered together into groups, societies can commit terrible actions. In my opinion, it should be required reading, if only as a reminder not to lose hope in humanity. And after the recent Supreme Court decision(s), isn't that something we all need? – Jason Mott, Author of Hell of a Book

One of the theological classics of the twentieth century, Niebuhr's Moral Man and Immoral Society argues that using moral persuasion and shaming to affect the behavior of such collectives as corporations and nation states is fruitless, as these groups will inevitably seek to promote only their self-interest. He calls for a realistic assessment of group behavior and enumerates how individual morality can mitigate social immorality.

This edition includes a foreword by Cornel West that explores the continued interest in Niebuhr’s thought and its contemporary relevance.