The Difficulty of Being Good by Gurcharan Das tackles the age-old questions of morality and ethics: Why should we strive to be good? How can we live a virtuous life? And how can we better understand the moral failures that frequently make headlines and wreak havoc on individuals, communities, and even global systems?

To find answers, Das turns to an unexpected source: the 2,000-year-old Sanskrit epic, the Mahabharata. This vast, witty, and complex poem revolves around the concept of dharma—doing what is right. Unlike Greek epics where heroes swiftly move past their wrongdoings, the Mahabharata pauses to deeply examine the moral dilemmas faced by its characters, often presenting multiple perspectives on what it means to act ethically. Each of its major characters embodies a moral flaw or virtue, mirroring our own emotional struggles with courage, envy, duty, and remorse.

Das brilliantly connects the moral trials of the Mahabharata's characters with the ethical challenges faced by contemporary figures in politics, business, and economics. The parallels he draws are striking and offer profound lessons for navigating today's complex world.

With Das’s signature flair and thoughtful reflection on his own journey toward a more meaningful life, The Difficulty of Being Good illuminates the timeless moral questions we still grapple with and offers fresh insights for our modern dilemmas.