The stakes for being good and virtuous are the highest they have been in more than 100 years. Depending on who you ask, if you make the wrong decisions today, you could contribute to destroying the earth, bring about the end of democracy, or go straight to hell. And, no matter who you ask, saying or doing what others consider inappropriate or evil could get you canceled and cost you your friends, your job, and your reputation.

If you turn on TV or Twitter or go to church or college, you will find the same fierce and noisy debate. Some believe good and evil are relative to one’s culture and personal convictions; others believe that right and wrong are as clear as the nose on your face. How can we make decisions, pick leaders, build institutions, and teach our children right from wrong in such a morally confusing and polarized society?

In The Future of Good, Adam Braus brings to light a 100-year-old theory of good and evil that can help us meet the moral challenges of our times. Braus weaves together stories from history, philosophy, psychology, and neuro- and evolutionary biology to offer his readers a new perspective on how to build good institutions, identify good leaders, and be good people.