“Taking small steps in the right direction—or even refusing to take a single step in the wrong direction—can make a big difference.”

Sanderson’s book leans on the research about morality, especially as it relates to why good people stand by in the face of wrongdoing.

She starts by seeking to explain why humans engage in bad behavior—and it’s not just because there’s some bad apples among us: “This belief that bad behavior is caused by bad people is reassuring and comforting. Unfortunately, it’s also wrong.”

In learning about these varying factors—the most powerful of which seems to be related to elements of groupthink—we can then have a better idea of what keeps us from helping people in need, from standing up in the face of racist or sexist comments, from confronting unethical behavior in our workplace.

I took a lot of notes on this one. Sanderson’s insights into human nature were revealing—a little disheartening at first, but then incredibly hopeful once she got into the practicals of how to train yourself to be a “moral rebel.”

As the author notes, simply being exposed to examples of moral courage can increase our own. The book itself does that by highlighting ordinary people who made choices to be moral rebels, and made a real difference.

Admittedly, when it came to the research overviews, I often skimmed through methodology and data in order to get to the meaty results, but I paid closer attention in the second half when she was providing more concrete examples and tips for counteracting unethical behavior.

Why We Act is a necessary read for parents (especially of high schoolers and college student), educators, and workplace leaders.