Ethical Ambition: Living a Life of Meaning and Worth

by Derrick A. Bell

Who will YOU have to become to succeed? Most of us believe that we must compromise our integrity to get ahead in life. With material success now our overarching social goal, the pressure to succeed is stronger than it's ever been. But what does this mean for our convictions, our morals, our ideals? In his book, Derrick Bell demonstrates that it is possible to attain success and not compromise our values by practising what he describes as Ethical Ambition. Setting out seven rules with which to conduct our lives, he places ethics as central to our ambition, so we can simultaneously honour our values and our needs. "Ethical Ambition" will force you to re-examine your beliefs and motivate you to change your life. It is an important book for our times.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction, Biography, Leadership, Self Help, Law

176 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Derrick Albert Bell Jr. was the first tenured African-American professor of law at Harvard Law School and is largely credited as one of the originators of critical race theory (CRT). He was a visiting professor at New York University School of Law from 1991 until his death. He was also a dean of the University of Oregon School of Law. [wikipedia]

Reviews

[Andy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short, pleasant affirmation to the reader that they are worthwhile, and that you don’t have to be a saint or a hero to lead an ethical life, but just an everyday person who treats others with respect and values that above status, fame, or outward advancement. There’s no ground broken here, but I think it succeeds in its goal, which is to be a source of comfort and a reminder, perhaps even more pertinent in the social-media age that followed its publication, that an “ordinary” life well-lived is plenty commendable.

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

My brother introduced me to Derrick Bell's writings long before I considered applying for law school. He handed me this book the first day I came home after being accepted to Professor Bell's current institution. Thanks Jayper. . .

Ethical Ambition is a meditation on the challenges, frustrations, inspirations and humiliations that one may face in choosing to fight the good fight. In recounting stories from his own life and those of others who have struggled against injustice, Bell demonstrates that an ethical life is not one of ease. Yet, as a W. E. B. Du Bois quote he uses to complete the book suggests, only through such a life can one find true satisfaction, finding "heaven, or as near as heaven as you can get."

From the non-conformist to the warrior of justice, Bell offers uplifting motivation to make ethical decisions, and perhaps more importantly, stand by them.

Harnessing your inner passion, learning to understand true courage, having faith in your work, building meaningful relationships, learning from others and retaining humility are all topics that Bell touches on in this encouraging piece.

A fantastic read for those aspiring to a career in public interest.

I hope to find the humility to read, and re-read this text for many years to come. . .

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first but not last Derrick A. Bell book. A quote to remember:

"We cannot know whether our actions are a help or a harm. And that, of course, is not the test. Our lives gain purpose and worth when we recognize and confront the evils we encounter-small as well as large-and meet them with a determination to take action even when we are all but certain that our efforts will fail. For in rising to those challenges, there is no failure. Rather there is the salvation of spirit, of mind, of soul" (177).

[Dean Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome! A really affirming book about answering to your own morals even if it's totally contrary to popular conventions. I like books that give a nod to the path I've chosen. Sometimes going against the norm is thankless if not downright hostile, so this book could be thought of as a great big hug from my grandpa.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I may have read this book to quickly. It might be the kind of book that you need to read slowly and with intention. I was reading it on a deadline.

I liked the subject matter but I didn't love the delivery. I think that Derrick Bell is a genius...and I felt like this book made it clear that he also thinks he is a genius. Even if he's right, it still sort of rubbed.

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very timely, especially when talking about class politics and other structural obstacles in justice work. Prof. Bell is brilliant and even more rare, humble + inspiring + pragmatic in his advice . I'm glad to make time to read more of his writing.

[Grace Kamau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read

Enjoyed and savored every page. If you wish to live an ethical life or read stories of those who have it is my prayers that somehow I will incorporate courage in my life and work

[Elmer T · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those on a journey of rigor, self improvement and ethical standard, this is a valuable example of a life defined as "worthy"! Salute Dr. Bell to a life well lead.

[Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Derrick Bell was a master storyteller. How use of allegory is brilliant and profound.

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Derrick Bell's memoir and its advice were helpful as I considered what path I should take as I continue training at my current job while my organization experiences a significant change in leadership. I appreciated his story, with his zeal for doing good despite significant personal consequences. I also appreciated the breadth of his discussion of ethics, including his reminder that being ethical at work requires ambitious lawyers to be ethical in their home and family lives, too. I'd recommend this book to most of my law school classmates (though not everyone would find it to be particularly engaging).

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Food for thought - some interesting and informative points.

[Steffy · Rating 1 out of 5]

The messages in this book, though they may provide solace for many individuals and may provide them with much sought guidance, they do not apply to a younger audience. I found very little in this book relatable. The courage of the individuals mentioned in this book is to be applauded and emulated. However, the author describes moral dilemmas from a religious perspective, and so discusses only the way in which one should act armed already with the certainty of the ideal course of action. This makes the book even less relatable and, from my perspective, means it did not really touch on the aspects that interested me.

[Zeenat · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read for all professionals, particularly those going into the legal field.

[Jen Chau · Rating 5 out of 5]

i loved this book -- found it inspiring and validating.

[Tracey Duncan · Rating 3 out of 5]

this is a person to be admired. if you're into that.

[Lauren Tamraz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I wanted to like this more than I actually did. He meant well, and offered good advice, but I remember being bored. A good read for educators.

[Matt · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good book to reconcile life and ethics. Somewhat of a dry read.

[Candice · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was totally underwhelmed.

[Benedict Reid]

Yeah. Ethics are good. Do you have anything further you want to say?

[Roxanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

A remarkable man writes an unremarkable book.

[ChampLeads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great analogies, thought provoking for analyzing theories of today and yesterday's issues of how to lead without loosing oneself.

[James Cooper · Rating 3 out of 5]

All good, inspirational words.

[Candy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring read on ethical living.