The Hopeful Road: How ‘Being Good’ Proves Moral Progress Is Possible (Even When It Feels Hopeless)

Why History—and Your Daily Choices—Show That Ethics Isn’t a Lost Cause

Every news headline seems to scream despair: violence, division, injustice. But Simon Blackburn’s ‘Being Good’ offers a different perspective—one grounded in history, reason, and hope. He shows that, despite setbacks, humanity has made real moral progress: the abolition of slavery, the expansion of rights for women and minorities, the slow but steady growth of compassion and understanding.

Blackburn argues that ethics is not about having all the answers, but about keeping the conversation alive—questioning, listening, and learning together. He reminds us that meaning is not handed down from on high, but built through our actions, relationships, and commitments. Every act of kindness, every stand for justice, every honest conversation is a step on the hopeful road to a better world.

If you’ve ever felt powerless in the face of the world’s problems, Blackburn’s message is for you: you have more influence than you think. By living thoughtfully, challenging cynicism, and joining the ongoing conversation of ethics, you can help shape the future—for yourself and for generations to come.