Ethics for the New Millennium

Starred review from August 2, 1999
"This is not a religious book," asserts the Dalai Lama about a volume that's his most outspoken to date on moral and social issues. "My aim has been to appeal for an approach to ethics based on universal rather than religious principles." The Dalai Lama adopts this approach because, he notes, the majority of humanity ignores religion, the traditional vehicle for ethics, yet observation shows him that happiness, which he discerns as the prime human goal, depends upon "positive ethical conduct." The entire book, written in simple, direct prose, reflects this sort of step-by-step reasoning, taking on color and drama with numerous anecdotes drawn from the Tibetan leader's personal experience. Methodically, the Dalai Lama explores the foundation of ethics, how ethics affects the individual and the role of ethics in society. He resorts often to Buddhist principles (as in employing the idea of dependent origination--that nothing arises or exists of itself--to demonstrate the interrelatedness of all life), but also to native Tibetan ideas and, occasionally, to secular thought or that of other religions. The book represents no radical departure from his previous work, but it does present a number of forceful views on issues ranging from cloning to vivisection to excess wealth ("the life of luxury... is unworthy"), as well as personal flavor not seen in his books since his autobiography, Freedom in Exile. The Dalai Lama refers, for instance, to his unwillingness to sell his watch collection for money to feed the poor as an example of ethical limitation. With its disarmingly frank, kindly manner and authoritative air, the book is what one would expect from a Nobel Peace Prize winner, and could appeal as widely as the Dalai Lama's current bestseller, The Art of Happiness.

August 1, 1999
The Dalai Lama, spiritual leader of the Tibetans, is highly respected for his gentleness and his constant quest for a reconciliation with the Chinese, who have oppressed Tibet for more than 40 years. This book proposes a morality of acceptance and compassion. The Dalai Lama encourages without being preachy and admonishes without being accusatory. He intends his book for the widest possible audience and writes in a simple, straightforward style that some sophisticated readers may find off-putting. Lacking footnotes or bibliography, this is not useful as a text for scholars or students, and it adds nothing new to ethical theory. The Dalai Lama explicitly avoids ethical principles derived from any religious doctrine; people often use religion, he says, to justify harming others. Instead, he counsels us to examine our motives and to try always to act with compassion. Though his emphasis on individual intention may alienate believers in Judeo-Christian and Muslim scripture, many others will find him persuasive. Recommended for public libraries.--James F. DeRoche, Alexandria, VA

Copyright 1999 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 1, 2000
YA-The Dalai Lama examines the world, its ills, and its coming changes in a disarmingly conversational style that engages readers. With a perspective that should appeal to teens weary of negativity, he offers an encouraging view of the future, arguing convincingly that we humans are better than we tend to believe. Avoiding technical terms and dogma, he presents Buddhist values and ethics, chiefly the dynamic of compassion and a recognition of the "complex interlinking of relationships," in such a way that individuals from a variety of cultural or religious backgrounds can understand their application to modern dilemmas and personal choices. Chapters focus on concepts such as restraint, discernment, non-harming, and responsibility as they apply to far-ranging subjects including the environment, disarmament, religion, science, and education. In a world in which many historical boundaries are becoming irrelevant, he focuses upon the essential qualities of humanity that we all share and from which new forms of social organization can evolve. An important book for thoughtful teens to muse over now, and return to in the future.-Christine C. Menefee, Fairfax County Public Library, VA

Copyright 2000 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.