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The Noble Edge: Reclaiming an Ethical World One Choice at a Time
The award-winning guide to developing ethics, trust, and authenticity in business and life—and achieving results that matter. Being trusted is the foundation of our greatest personal freedoms. In a time of deepening divisions and “alternative facts,” trust and authenticity grow more precious by the hour. The Noble Reclaiming an Ethical World One Choice at a Time provides an inspirational conversation spiced with personal stories, humorous anecdotes, and invaluable guidance about making consistently good choices. Based on three research-proven steps and nine principles for leading an ethically driven life, The Noble Edge brings a fresh approach to personal growth and inspires real change to empower a brighter future. As useful in the boardroom as the family room, this easy-to-follow book contains a powerful model that sharpens the ethical lens and empowers readers to examine their own standards and values and resist pressures to ignore what is right in favor of what passes for “success.” For those who want truth in their decisions, authenticity in their relationships, and solid ground for making tough choices in business and in life, this is an encouraging guide to achieving moral progress individually and collectively, and bringing better ethics into organizations, families, communities, and the world. Winner of the Paris Book Festival Award, NABE Pinnacle Book Achievement Award, International Impact Book Award, Literary Titan Book Award, Firebird Book Awards in three categories, NYC Big Book Award, Canadian Book Club Award and Hollywood Book Festival Runner-up “Offers the wisdom of the ages in a style that is deep yet easy to understand.” —Trip Barthel, author of Transforming Conflict into Consensus
255 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 27, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
January 20, 2022
Score: 95/100 (9.5 out of 10)
“The Noble Edge” by Dr. Christopher Gilbert is a deep well of wisdom on the subject of ethics!
Just to get this out of the way, this book is incredibly well-written and well-structured. Everything in this book seems to hit the way it should—the relevant quotes at the beginning of each chapter, the numbered ethics principals isolated into blocks, the superb examples that punch the point home, the diagrams that illustrate what the author is talking about, the “instant replay” sections that review what was was discussed, and the thought experiments that prompt critical thinking.
The aforementioned thought experiments, usually involving the fictitious character Grace in hypothetical or imagined scenarios, are part of what make this book so special and fun to read. It almost becomes like an RPG or a sim game that you get to play along with and ask yourself the all-important questions like “What would I do?” or “What SHOULD I do?” in the scenario that Grace is in. We thought about what we would've done if we accidentally hit someone's car or if $20,000+ was accidentally deposited into our account. Does stopping to think about these things make us unethical when the ethical answer seems so obvious?
This book is actually very entertaining and fun to read for an educational book! While it does feel a little like you're being preached to, the book still invites you to participate and be a part of the learning experience rather than being “taught” or talked down to the whole time. Dr. Gilbert clearly comes across as a voice of authority as well as highly intelligent and insightful. We have access to a well of wisdom here.
The discussions of ethics topics like relativism, subjectivism, and consequentialism are superb.
We have to admit that this book really challenged us. No, it wasn't challenging in terms of being a difficult read (it was actually a very easy read), it was challenging in terms of testing us personally. We kept asking ourselves if we'd actually make the right or ethical choice in a given situation, or if we'd take the easy way out, likely justifying out actions. Consider the following key statement from the book and how it makes you feel: “Ethics are black and white.” To hit this home, there's a statement early in this book essentially says that right is always right and wrong is always wrong no matter how you justify it. You can't be a little pregnant, you're either pregnant or you're not. In the same way, your actions are either ethical or unethical. At least that's what the author proposes. Is he wrong? You be the judge. But he certainly puts his points across in logical, rational, and compelling ways.
Now we know what you're thinking because we thought the same thing: is the author trying to say that the only way to be ethical is to be perfect all the time? Ethical, yes. Perfect? No. In fact, as an example to the contrary, we 100% expected him to propose that we be 100% truthful and transparent 100% of the time. After all, he'd earlier made references to the idea of a “lie of omission” being unethical; however, he later admits that we can't be transparent in 100% of situations and with 100% of people. For example, there are greater considerations sometimes than just sharing everything there is to say. The best example is the dressing room example. What happens when your significant other is trying on clothes there and asks what you think of them? Would you be blunt and tell them the item is overpriced “garbage” and would make them look hideous? Probably not. That in itself might be considered rude, untactful, and thus unethical. Instead, you—being a courteous partner—might say something like, “I don't think that fits the occasion” or that you think a certain clothing color or type matches them better.
This extends to other things like work, the media, and politics. In the medical field, it might be a more ethical decision not to immediately tell a patient with a life-threatening diagnosis that they're going to die. Why? Because it's statistically possible that diagnosis could be wrong or inaccurate, and it's also statistically true that a patient's outlook on their condition affects their outcomes. In other words, if a patient thinks they're going to die and that they should just give up, they're more likely to just give up and die even if they still had a chance at a healthy life.
There were times when we disagreed with what the author seemed to be proposing, but then realized that disagreeing with him was actually just reaffirming his argument. We quickly realized that we too had the human inclinations to seek the path of least resistance, avoid pain and pursue pleasure, and to justify our actions.
We wanted to briefly add to the end of this that Dr. Gilbert does a great job at demonstrating how a more ethical society--one that is built up of ethical people doing ethical decisions--is tremendously advantageous in the long-term. In short, though, what kind of world do you want to live in? What kind of example do you want to set for future generations to follow?
This is really an incredible book on ethics.
“The Noble Edge” by Dr. Christopher Gilbert is a deep well of wisdom on the subject of ethics!
Just to get this out of the way, this book is incredibly well-written and well-structured. Everything in this book seems to hit the way it should—the relevant quotes at the beginning of each chapter, the numbered ethics principals isolated into blocks, the superb examples that punch the point home, the diagrams that illustrate what the author is talking about, the “instant replay” sections that review what was was discussed, and the thought experiments that prompt critical thinking.
The aforementioned thought experiments, usually involving the fictitious character Grace in hypothetical or imagined scenarios, are part of what make this book so special and fun to read. It almost becomes like an RPG or a sim game that you get to play along with and ask yourself the all-important questions like “What would I do?” or “What SHOULD I do?” in the scenario that Grace is in. We thought about what we would've done if we accidentally hit someone's car or if $20,000+ was accidentally deposited into our account. Does stopping to think about these things make us unethical when the ethical answer seems so obvious?
This book is actually very entertaining and fun to read for an educational book! While it does feel a little like you're being preached to, the book still invites you to participate and be a part of the learning experience rather than being “taught” or talked down to the whole time. Dr. Gilbert clearly comes across as a voice of authority as well as highly intelligent and insightful. We have access to a well of wisdom here.
The discussions of ethics topics like relativism, subjectivism, and consequentialism are superb.
We have to admit that this book really challenged us. No, it wasn't challenging in terms of being a difficult read (it was actually a very easy read), it was challenging in terms of testing us personally. We kept asking ourselves if we'd actually make the right or ethical choice in a given situation, or if we'd take the easy way out, likely justifying out actions. Consider the following key statement from the book and how it makes you feel: “Ethics are black and white.” To hit this home, there's a statement early in this book essentially says that right is always right and wrong is always wrong no matter how you justify it. You can't be a little pregnant, you're either pregnant or you're not. In the same way, your actions are either ethical or unethical. At least that's what the author proposes. Is he wrong? You be the judge. But he certainly puts his points across in logical, rational, and compelling ways.
Now we know what you're thinking because we thought the same thing: is the author trying to say that the only way to be ethical is to be perfect all the time? Ethical, yes. Perfect? No. In fact, as an example to the contrary, we 100% expected him to propose that we be 100% truthful and transparent 100% of the time. After all, he'd earlier made references to the idea of a “lie of omission” being unethical; however, he later admits that we can't be transparent in 100% of situations and with 100% of people. For example, there are greater considerations sometimes than just sharing everything there is to say. The best example is the dressing room example. What happens when your significant other is trying on clothes there and asks what you think of them? Would you be blunt and tell them the item is overpriced “garbage” and would make them look hideous? Probably not. That in itself might be considered rude, untactful, and thus unethical. Instead, you—being a courteous partner—might say something like, “I don't think that fits the occasion” or that you think a certain clothing color or type matches them better.
This extends to other things like work, the media, and politics. In the medical field, it might be a more ethical decision not to immediately tell a patient with a life-threatening diagnosis that they're going to die. Why? Because it's statistically possible that diagnosis could be wrong or inaccurate, and it's also statistically true that a patient's outlook on their condition affects their outcomes. In other words, if a patient thinks they're going to die and that they should just give up, they're more likely to just give up and die even if they still had a chance at a healthy life.
There were times when we disagreed with what the author seemed to be proposing, but then realized that disagreeing with him was actually just reaffirming his argument. We quickly realized that we too had the human inclinations to seek the path of least resistance, avoid pain and pursue pleasure, and to justify our actions.
We wanted to briefly add to the end of this that Dr. Gilbert does a great job at demonstrating how a more ethical society--one that is built up of ethical people doing ethical decisions--is tremendously advantageous in the long-term. In short, though, what kind of world do you want to live in? What kind of example do you want to set for future generations to follow?
This is really an incredible book on ethics.
January 11, 2022
There are two items that claimed my attention when it came to this book. The first is the subtitle that the author added: “Reclaiming an Ethical World One Choice at a Time.” The second, however, was the horror I felt when I thought about how many people might snicker at that statement.
I say this because having the trust of others should at least be in our Constitution. Not only because it is a right and/or a freedom of human beings, but also because most of us are proud to be Americans. Gosh knows we have enough songs that reach the number one spot on the charts stating just that. The horror is the fact that I watch the news on a daily basis and the majority of what I see reported is how unethical some are showing themselves to be, whether it’s on a business, political or personal level. Instead of being trusted or working to earn trust, there are those who take the easy way out—which never succeeds without consequences—making the rest of us roll our eyes and guffaw at the fact that writers out there want to show us these errors and perhaps find a way to stop making them. I find this not at all humorous; I actually crave for the world to be ethical. I would love my grandchildren to want to be trusted, honest, and respectable people.
Using some of the author’s humor, which is wise to use even though it’s absolutely true, I know there are many who would also roll their eyes and state, “It’s hard to reclaim an ethical world when it was never one to begin with.” Until, of course, you talk about only animals roaming the planet who lived by the one belief that survival was for the fittest.
We’re back in a time period, although we never left, really, where lines are drawn. Bias, corruption, basic lying and hatred are all there. And there are those out there who wish to show their pain or annoyance by making bad decisions. Now is the time where trust is more important than ever. And this book explores the past and the present, opening the door to why it is people should stop ignoring what’s right in order to achieve what passes for success…something my own beloved grandma used to say.
Author, Christopher Gilbert, nabbed a series of awards for this particular book by putting together a collection of sorts: the words are inspirational, but they are woven with a series of personal tales, humor, and guidance for readers who want to find empowerment – that “fresh” look at how to grow as a person in order to make a better future for themselves and those around them. Perhaps if enough eyes were set on these pages, the excitement would grow and expand worldwide. (At least, that’s a nice idea to think about.)
At the core of his research are basic steps all humans are capable of taking and nine principles to live by, so to speak, that will cause people to believe in industry and each other once again. Reading with an open mind while the author speaks about these changes offers an energetic charge; it makes you think of your future decisions and how to cast out a world with no ethics or morality. However, you should note the author does not do this by shoving it down someone’s throat or using an ego of his own to outright say you’re wrong. This is inspirational and instructional knowledge but it is not a sermon.
The author did a very good job and certainly does inspire those who read his words and try to implement them in their own lives. The best and most respectful comment I can give to the author is that my grandma would be proud to be a Gilbert fan.
I say this because having the trust of others should at least be in our Constitution. Not only because it is a right and/or a freedom of human beings, but also because most of us are proud to be Americans. Gosh knows we have enough songs that reach the number one spot on the charts stating just that. The horror is the fact that I watch the news on a daily basis and the majority of what I see reported is how unethical some are showing themselves to be, whether it’s on a business, political or personal level. Instead of being trusted or working to earn trust, there are those who take the easy way out—which never succeeds without consequences—making the rest of us roll our eyes and guffaw at the fact that writers out there want to show us these errors and perhaps find a way to stop making them. I find this not at all humorous; I actually crave for the world to be ethical. I would love my grandchildren to want to be trusted, honest, and respectable people.
Using some of the author’s humor, which is wise to use even though it’s absolutely true, I know there are many who would also roll their eyes and state, “It’s hard to reclaim an ethical world when it was never one to begin with.” Until, of course, you talk about only animals roaming the planet who lived by the one belief that survival was for the fittest.
We’re back in a time period, although we never left, really, where lines are drawn. Bias, corruption, basic lying and hatred are all there. And there are those out there who wish to show their pain or annoyance by making bad decisions. Now is the time where trust is more important than ever. And this book explores the past and the present, opening the door to why it is people should stop ignoring what’s right in order to achieve what passes for success…something my own beloved grandma used to say.
Author, Christopher Gilbert, nabbed a series of awards for this particular book by putting together a collection of sorts: the words are inspirational, but they are woven with a series of personal tales, humor, and guidance for readers who want to find empowerment – that “fresh” look at how to grow as a person in order to make a better future for themselves and those around them. Perhaps if enough eyes were set on these pages, the excitement would grow and expand worldwide. (At least, that’s a nice idea to think about.)
At the core of his research are basic steps all humans are capable of taking and nine principles to live by, so to speak, that will cause people to believe in industry and each other once again. Reading with an open mind while the author speaks about these changes offers an energetic charge; it makes you think of your future decisions and how to cast out a world with no ethics or morality. However, you should note the author does not do this by shoving it down someone’s throat or using an ego of his own to outright say you’re wrong. This is inspirational and instructional knowledge but it is not a sermon.
The author did a very good job and certainly does inspire those who read his words and try to implement them in their own lives. The best and most respectful comment I can give to the author is that my grandma would be proud to be a Gilbert fan.
May 25, 2021
Truth, trust, and transparency
Washington author Christopher Gilbert earned his BS in Geology from the University of Washington, his MBA in Marketing from the University of Puget Sound, and his PhD in organization, management and leadership ethics from Capella University. He is the co-founder of NobleEdge Consulting – ‘providing leadership development training that focuses on creating a culture of ethics, trustworthiness and building strong relationships.’ complementing his services as a coach, speaker, ethics consultant, and facilitator, he has served as COO for Bainbridge Graduate Institute, and as global faculty at the University of Washington and educational institutions in the US, China, Switzerland, Iran and the Russian Republic. In addition to his publication of books – THERE’S NO RIGHT WAY TO THE WRONG THING and this new book THE NOBLE EDGE – Dr. Gilbert is a contributing author to CNBC, Quartz, Entrepreneur, Successful Business News among others. He lives just outside Seattle.
One of the many reasons this book becomes meaningful and incorporative is Gilbert’s manner of writing – or conversing, as his prose style is warmly personal. Even the Introduction to his book opens a door into his sage advice: “I feel my job is to start a conversation about what it means to do right in business and in life despite the constant personal, social, economic and other cultural and societal pressures to ignore what is ‘right” in favor of “success”…Living at the Noble Edge brings a consistency to our values and our virtues. It presents us a vista of complete information in our relationships which have always thrived on trust and trustworthiness…We have the amazing power to reclaim an ethical world despite the near daily challenges to our trust…’ And it is that inviting tone that brings Gilbert’s calm, supportive, trusting advice into our minds as a stimulus to live an ethically driven life - understanding ethics, legality and moral development.
The personal history of Christopher Gilbert and his innovative food delivery service concept, ‘Cravings,’ provides a very strong ‘a-ha’ moment to the core message of his book – a new business that took risks and failed. ‘In the broadest context, an ethical choice is any decision or action that has an impact on others now or in the future…our ethics affect others and theirs in turn affect us.’ By offering actual examples of his coins of advice, the significance of his coaching becomes apparent – and relatable.
Through many excellent examples, Gilbert teaches us not only the true definition of ethics and ethical behavior, but also encourages us with the warmth and humor of his presentation how to grow into the decisions that embrace ethics. We live in a period of fake news, social media conversing, computer-dominated communication and all the other IA permutations that make electing ethical choices a challenge. Using Gilbert’s fine book those situations diminish – for both businesses and our personal lives. This is a ‘breathe in and live differently’ invitation. Very highly recommended.
Washington author Christopher Gilbert earned his BS in Geology from the University of Washington, his MBA in Marketing from the University of Puget Sound, and his PhD in organization, management and leadership ethics from Capella University. He is the co-founder of NobleEdge Consulting – ‘providing leadership development training that focuses on creating a culture of ethics, trustworthiness and building strong relationships.’ complementing his services as a coach, speaker, ethics consultant, and facilitator, he has served as COO for Bainbridge Graduate Institute, and as global faculty at the University of Washington and educational institutions in the US, China, Switzerland, Iran and the Russian Republic. In addition to his publication of books – THERE’S NO RIGHT WAY TO THE WRONG THING and this new book THE NOBLE EDGE – Dr. Gilbert is a contributing author to CNBC, Quartz, Entrepreneur, Successful Business News among others. He lives just outside Seattle.
One of the many reasons this book becomes meaningful and incorporative is Gilbert’s manner of writing – or conversing, as his prose style is warmly personal. Even the Introduction to his book opens a door into his sage advice: “I feel my job is to start a conversation about what it means to do right in business and in life despite the constant personal, social, economic and other cultural and societal pressures to ignore what is ‘right” in favor of “success”…Living at the Noble Edge brings a consistency to our values and our virtues. It presents us a vista of complete information in our relationships which have always thrived on trust and trustworthiness…We have the amazing power to reclaim an ethical world despite the near daily challenges to our trust…’ And it is that inviting tone that brings Gilbert’s calm, supportive, trusting advice into our minds as a stimulus to live an ethically driven life - understanding ethics, legality and moral development.
The personal history of Christopher Gilbert and his innovative food delivery service concept, ‘Cravings,’ provides a very strong ‘a-ha’ moment to the core message of his book – a new business that took risks and failed. ‘In the broadest context, an ethical choice is any decision or action that has an impact on others now or in the future…our ethics affect others and theirs in turn affect us.’ By offering actual examples of his coins of advice, the significance of his coaching becomes apparent – and relatable.
Through many excellent examples, Gilbert teaches us not only the true definition of ethics and ethical behavior, but also encourages us with the warmth and humor of his presentation how to grow into the decisions that embrace ethics. We live in a period of fake news, social media conversing, computer-dominated communication and all the other IA permutations that make electing ethical choices a challenge. Using Gilbert’s fine book those situations diminish – for both businesses and our personal lives. This is a ‘breathe in and live differently’ invitation. Very highly recommended.
June 6, 2021
Move up the moral ladder and create a better world!
Dr. Christopher Gilbert is a strategic facilitator and leadership and operations consultant with more than 25 years of teaching experience, traveling the world to train and consult with large multinational corporations, government agencies and NGOs. In The Noble Edge he draws from his background in ethics and human morality, experiences as an ethics consultant, and shares candidly some of the personal (and sometimes painful!) experiences that piqued his interest in this field.
All of us make decisions every day, mostly personal decisions, but even our personal, private decisions bring a ripple effect of actions that extend to those around us and sometimes even to those farther away than we realize. Dr. Gilbert says, “In the broadest context, an ethical choice is any decision or action that has an impact on others now or in the future.” Given the interconnectedness of our lives and world, that means that ethics is actually at play in almost every decision we make, which means that we cannot afford to undervalue the importance of ethical decision making to our lives.
How do we make choices? Is there any right way to do the wrong thing? How do our motivations affect others? If we make the right choice for the wrong reasons, where do we wind up on the moral ladder? To help us handle these questions and more, Dr. Gilbert bases his book around 21 principles that lead to an ethical life. To apply these principles into real life scenarios, he uses a helpful literary device in the form of a fictional character named “Grace.” As we see the situations Grace is in, the things she contemplates and the choices she makes, we see ourselves and the ways that we rationalize or explain our choices, and the real life impacts those choices can carry.
This is not some lofty academic treatise, mentally and emotionally out of the reach of most readers, but instead is a practical, personal, and often humorous introduction to principles that help us all live more ethical lives. Gilbert issues a challenge for all of us to tap into the power of ethical choices in order to build a better world. He says, “We can stay on the lower rungs, believing in our current situational ethics and thinking that being treated fairly by others who demonstrate honesty and integrity is the luck of the draw. Or we can believe we have the capacity to create a world that operates on the same truths practiced by everyone for everyone. A world where ethical choices are those that build trust and trustworthiness. In which world do you want to live?”
This year’s global events, most especially the pandemic, show us more clearly than ever how interconnected we are. It’s long past time to put aside consequentialism, rationalism, and subjectivism and find concrete and consistent ways of making ethical choices. In The Noble Edge, Dr. Gilbert is our steady, kind, and empathetic guide on this journey to a better life and a better world. Highly recommended!!!
Dr. Christopher Gilbert is a strategic facilitator and leadership and operations consultant with more than 25 years of teaching experience, traveling the world to train and consult with large multinational corporations, government agencies and NGOs. In The Noble Edge he draws from his background in ethics and human morality, experiences as an ethics consultant, and shares candidly some of the personal (and sometimes painful!) experiences that piqued his interest in this field.
All of us make decisions every day, mostly personal decisions, but even our personal, private decisions bring a ripple effect of actions that extend to those around us and sometimes even to those farther away than we realize. Dr. Gilbert says, “In the broadest context, an ethical choice is any decision or action that has an impact on others now or in the future.” Given the interconnectedness of our lives and world, that means that ethics is actually at play in almost every decision we make, which means that we cannot afford to undervalue the importance of ethical decision making to our lives.
How do we make choices? Is there any right way to do the wrong thing? How do our motivations affect others? If we make the right choice for the wrong reasons, where do we wind up on the moral ladder? To help us handle these questions and more, Dr. Gilbert bases his book around 21 principles that lead to an ethical life. To apply these principles into real life scenarios, he uses a helpful literary device in the form of a fictional character named “Grace.” As we see the situations Grace is in, the things she contemplates and the choices she makes, we see ourselves and the ways that we rationalize or explain our choices, and the real life impacts those choices can carry.
This is not some lofty academic treatise, mentally and emotionally out of the reach of most readers, but instead is a practical, personal, and often humorous introduction to principles that help us all live more ethical lives. Gilbert issues a challenge for all of us to tap into the power of ethical choices in order to build a better world. He says, “We can stay on the lower rungs, believing in our current situational ethics and thinking that being treated fairly by others who demonstrate honesty and integrity is the luck of the draw. Or we can believe we have the capacity to create a world that operates on the same truths practiced by everyone for everyone. A world where ethical choices are those that build trust and trustworthiness. In which world do you want to live?”
This year’s global events, most especially the pandemic, show us more clearly than ever how interconnected we are. It’s long past time to put aside consequentialism, rationalism, and subjectivism and find concrete and consistent ways of making ethical choices. In The Noble Edge, Dr. Gilbert is our steady, kind, and empathetic guide on this journey to a better life and a better world. Highly recommended!!!
July 30, 2021
Christopher Gilbert describes “the noble edge” as: where the nobility we are born with flourishes through the agreement of our words and deeds. A place where honesty and integrity always underscores our ethical choices. . . (Christopher Gilbert, The Noble Edge, Morgan James Publishing, 2021, p. xix,225). It describes those whose moral development of character has resulted in their transformation of character which in turns “supports everyone’s common rights and practice what is right and wrong through the consistent exercise of human virtues” (p.38).
His book is written from a thoroughly humanistic perspective: “humans’ ability to become more tomorrow than we are today is behind all our personal explorations, transformations, adventures, bold attempts, successes and failures and our abilities to turn dreams. . . into reality (p. 51); He embraces Lawrence Kohlberg’s premise of moral progression in adulthood and his understanding of human development intellectually, emotionally and spiritually (p. 51). As Gilbert says, “we have the capacity to make ethical choices from an ever-advancing, virtue-driven set of humane values guided by our moral development and chosen through an exercise of our higher, nature-driven free will (p.173). . .”We can stay on the lower rungs, believing in our current situational ethics and thinking that being treated fairly by others who demonstrate honesty and integrity is the luck of the draw. Or, we can believe we have the capacity to create a world that operates on the same truths practiced by everyone for everyone. A world where ethical choices are those that build trust and trustworthiness” (p. 211).
However, his humanistic optimism is unrealistic from a Biblical perspective. The Bible maintains that humans are inherently sinful and ego-centric and such unselfish character transformations and other-centered value choices can only be sustained through faith in Jesus Christ and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. That said, the contemporary need is great for positive ethical decisions which support the good of all people. So, the book’s focus is timely. Plus, Gilbert’s explanation of the factors of subjectivism, and relativism and other isms that undergird a situational ethics’ perspective is excellent. The book rightly challenges these wrongful contemporary assumptions and behaviors.
Gilbert’s goal, though illusory, is still commendable. Therefore, from this reviewer’s perspective, if people would allow Christ to play His needed role in inner transformation so they are empowered to make wise, virtuous, ethical choices that better our world, we could reach Gilbert’s goal and become known as those whose lives are characterized by choices on the “noble edge.”
His book is written from a thoroughly humanistic perspective: “humans’ ability to become more tomorrow than we are today is behind all our personal explorations, transformations, adventures, bold attempts, successes and failures and our abilities to turn dreams. . . into reality (p. 51); He embraces Lawrence Kohlberg’s premise of moral progression in adulthood and his understanding of human development intellectually, emotionally and spiritually (p. 51). As Gilbert says, “we have the capacity to make ethical choices from an ever-advancing, virtue-driven set of humane values guided by our moral development and chosen through an exercise of our higher, nature-driven free will (p.173). . .”We can stay on the lower rungs, believing in our current situational ethics and thinking that being treated fairly by others who demonstrate honesty and integrity is the luck of the draw. Or, we can believe we have the capacity to create a world that operates on the same truths practiced by everyone for everyone. A world where ethical choices are those that build trust and trustworthiness” (p. 211).
However, his humanistic optimism is unrealistic from a Biblical perspective. The Bible maintains that humans are inherently sinful and ego-centric and such unselfish character transformations and other-centered value choices can only be sustained through faith in Jesus Christ and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. That said, the contemporary need is great for positive ethical decisions which support the good of all people. So, the book’s focus is timely. Plus, Gilbert’s explanation of the factors of subjectivism, and relativism and other isms that undergird a situational ethics’ perspective is excellent. The book rightly challenges these wrongful contemporary assumptions and behaviors.
Gilbert’s goal, though illusory, is still commendable. Therefore, from this reviewer’s perspective, if people would allow Christ to play His needed role in inner transformation so they are empowered to make wise, virtuous, ethical choices that better our world, we could reach Gilbert’s goal and become known as those whose lives are characterized by choices on the “noble edge.”
May 25, 2021
Be the best you, you can, ethically, morally, truthfully and honestly.
This is such a fascinating and thought-provoking book. We all like to think we are honest, and would do the ‘right’ thing, however, would we? What about the niggling little voices in our heads which influence what we actually do? Do we really do what is ethically and morally right, or what’s right for us?
Dr Christopher Gilbert, was once one of the owners of a successful food delivery service called Cravings. The company was established on a strong foundation, and grew well. Unfortunately its downfall came about solely through the unethical behaviour of another company. However, it was this experience which made the author decide to follow his passion and studying ethics and human morality.
He embraced these interests and earned a PhD specializing in ethics, a Bachelor’s degree in geology, and a MBA in marketing. His passion has led over the past 25 years, to him traveling, and working, on four different continents.
What I absolutely love about this book is that it takes his reader on a moral and ethical journey, engaging them through the experiences of the author, and others, as well as through the role play of his virtual character Grace. Through her, a scenario is played out at the end of each chapter. These help the reader to fully understand the ethicality of each of the decisions she could make in that situation, and the differing repercussions of each.
The research, and personal experiences which have shaped this book are evident. Through reading it we discover how to live our life with integrity, honesty, and truthfulness. The author provides us with a well thought out blue print, which evolves as we read, revealing the three steps and nine crucial principals we can use to live a more honest, ethical, and truthful life.
There are many really good quotes in the book but this one by Ghandi is my favourite “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” For this, quintessentially, is what this book is all about. As the author says, “In the broadest context, an ethical choice is any decision or action that has an impact on others now, or in the future.” Isn’t it our duty to do just that, not only for the people on this planet, but for the Earth itself?
Many books are written about changing your life, being the better you. This book goes one step further, it invites you to go beyond yourself, to be a beacon of trust and honesty, set the right example, and do the right thing. The years of work in this field have really paid off for Dr Christopher Gilbert, because this book holds secrets everyone can learn and benefit by. Highly recommended!
This is such a fascinating and thought-provoking book. We all like to think we are honest, and would do the ‘right’ thing, however, would we? What about the niggling little voices in our heads which influence what we actually do? Do we really do what is ethically and morally right, or what’s right for us?
Dr Christopher Gilbert, was once one of the owners of a successful food delivery service called Cravings. The company was established on a strong foundation, and grew well. Unfortunately its downfall came about solely through the unethical behaviour of another company. However, it was this experience which made the author decide to follow his passion and studying ethics and human morality.
He embraced these interests and earned a PhD specializing in ethics, a Bachelor’s degree in geology, and a MBA in marketing. His passion has led over the past 25 years, to him traveling, and working, on four different continents.
What I absolutely love about this book is that it takes his reader on a moral and ethical journey, engaging them through the experiences of the author, and others, as well as through the role play of his virtual character Grace. Through her, a scenario is played out at the end of each chapter. These help the reader to fully understand the ethicality of each of the decisions she could make in that situation, and the differing repercussions of each.
The research, and personal experiences which have shaped this book are evident. Through reading it we discover how to live our life with integrity, honesty, and truthfulness. The author provides us with a well thought out blue print, which evolves as we read, revealing the three steps and nine crucial principals we can use to live a more honest, ethical, and truthful life.
There are many really good quotes in the book but this one by Ghandi is my favourite “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” For this, quintessentially, is what this book is all about. As the author says, “In the broadest context, an ethical choice is any decision or action that has an impact on others now, or in the future.” Isn’t it our duty to do just that, not only for the people on this planet, but for the Earth itself?
Many books are written about changing your life, being the better you. This book goes one step further, it invites you to go beyond yourself, to be a beacon of trust and honesty, set the right example, and do the right thing. The years of work in this field have really paid off for Dr Christopher Gilbert, because this book holds secrets everyone can learn and benefit by. Highly recommended!
May 31, 2021
A journey entering into the world of Christopher Gilbert, Ph.D., through his book ‘The Noble Edge: Reclaiming an Ethical World One Choice at a Time,’ is a trip well-worth taking and savoring all the way through. Put aside all your pre-conceived notions and open up your mind and soul, for you are about to be educated on the implications of your smallest and biggest decisions; about how a heightened level of humanity’s moral progress can elicit “enlightened ethical choices” made from the creation of a “virtue driven set of human values guided by our moral development and chosen through exercise of our higher nature, free-will.” Fractured political, economic and social segments of society, according to Gilbert, need to elevate their moral/ethical standards.
Gilbert, who went into ‘Leadership Ethics’ after having his business was destroyed by unethical competitors, begins the journey with a simple phrase: “There is no right way to do the wrong thing.” Having lectured and worked around the world, Gilbert’s level of experience matches his academic prowess and gives weight to the overriding goal of the book, and his work. He wants all of us, individually and collectively, to stride confidently and consistently towards the ‘The Noble Edge,’ which represents “an advance in our character” and will establish “a world that supports consistent good choice making.” Gilbert cheekily claims the view from The Noble Edge is “Empowering…and Astounding.”
The first step is Gilbert establishing a start point with Ethics Principle #1, “Laws tell us what we can do; ethics tells us what we should do.” This is followed by noting that we all speak in “code language” with “lies of omission” or “misdirection” that must be understood by sender and receiver. From there the journey gets more intense, detailed and sometimes convoluted. I suggest carefully reading, and even re-reading, sections for absolute clarity. Gilbert employs fictitious and real-life scenarios, some from his own experiences, to drive home big and small moral and ethical conundrums.
Christopher Gilbert’s book will cause one to think, and rethink, the personal, business and social decisions made every day, definitely a primary goal of the book. You will be richly rewarded by taking a hike up to ‘The Noble Edge’ and checking out the view.
Brad Butler, Author of 'A World Flight Over Russia'
Gilbert, who went into ‘Leadership Ethics’ after having his business was destroyed by unethical competitors, begins the journey with a simple phrase: “There is no right way to do the wrong thing.” Having lectured and worked around the world, Gilbert’s level of experience matches his academic prowess and gives weight to the overriding goal of the book, and his work. He wants all of us, individually and collectively, to stride confidently and consistently towards the ‘The Noble Edge,’ which represents “an advance in our character” and will establish “a world that supports consistent good choice making.” Gilbert cheekily claims the view from The Noble Edge is “Empowering…and Astounding.”
The first step is Gilbert establishing a start point with Ethics Principle #1, “Laws tell us what we can do; ethics tells us what we should do.” This is followed by noting that we all speak in “code language” with “lies of omission” or “misdirection” that must be understood by sender and receiver. From there the journey gets more intense, detailed and sometimes convoluted. I suggest carefully reading, and even re-reading, sections for absolute clarity. Gilbert employs fictitious and real-life scenarios, some from his own experiences, to drive home big and small moral and ethical conundrums.
Christopher Gilbert’s book will cause one to think, and rethink, the personal, business and social decisions made every day, definitely a primary goal of the book. You will be richly rewarded by taking a hike up to ‘The Noble Edge’ and checking out the view.
Brad Butler, Author of 'A World Flight Over Russia'
June 6, 2021
Create a Better World by Moving up the Moral Ladder
A great beginning and a wonderful ending. I must say what a great way to start a fantastic book, such as this one. I have never read a book by this author before, however, after reading this book, I can say that I will definitely read more books by this author again. The Noble Edge answers these and many other crucial questions about living a life of integrity and honest success. The book invites readers into an inspirational conversation about truth and trust spiced with an abundance of personal stories, humor, and invaluable guidance about making consistently right choices. I learned a lot after reading this book, which had a lot of informative information in it. I couldn't put this book down. The book is brilliant,inspiring, and as I stated before filled with humor, that informs is with personal stories. I personally love to read all different types of stories, with a lot of suspense and humor such as this one. The Noble Edge is a fast paced, easy to read, and covers a lot of ground. I am glad that I took a chance on buying this book, and I highly recommend it for other readers, whom love a fantastic read. The author has written an engaging and insightful book that is both grounded in theory and immensely practical. It culminates in nine steps that support each of us in reaching the ethical high ground, and along the way we are treated to stories and examples that bring the material to life. Outstanding job to the author for writing a amazing book.
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A great beginning and a wonderful ending. I must say what a great way to start a fantastic book, such as this one. I have never read a book by this author before, however, after reading this book, I can say that I will definitely read more books by this author again. The Noble Edge answers these and many other crucial questions about living a life of integrity and honest success. The book invites readers into an inspirational conversation about truth and trust spiced with an abundance of personal stories, humor, and invaluable guidance about making consistently right choices. I learned a lot after reading this book, which had a lot of informative information in it. I couldn't put this book down. The book is brilliant,inspiring, and as I stated before filled with humor, that informs is with personal stories. I personally love to read all different types of stories, with a lot of suspense and humor such as this one. The Noble Edge is a fast paced, easy to read, and covers a lot of ground. I am glad that I took a chance on buying this book, and I highly recommend it for other readers, whom love a fantastic read. The author has written an engaging and insightful book that is both grounded in theory and immensely practical. It culminates in nine steps that support each of us in reaching the ethical high ground, and along the way we are treated to stories and examples that bring the material to life. Outstanding job to the author for writing a amazing book.
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June 6, 2021
A thought-provoking book which encourages you to look inside yourself. The author asks important questions which make you examine your ethics, morals, and the way you live your life.
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