What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedHow to Be Perfect
Michael Schur, Todd May · Book · 2022
If you loved How to Be Perfect, start with The Good Place (Michael Schur, 2016) — a series on the same thread. Below: 4 films, 1 series and 1 podcast, each matched to How to Be Perfect across media.
If you loved How to Be Perfect, you likely crave the way it blends rigorous philosophical inquiry with a lighthearted, comedic touch.
Films on the same thread
Best in Show
Christopher Guest · Film · 2000
Explores: Dog Shows, Eccentric Characters, Parody.
Just as How to Be Perfect finds humor in the eccentricities of human behavior, this mockumentary examines the absurd, obsessive nature of people through a sharp and witty comedic lens.
Happy-Go-Lucky
Mike Leigh · Film · 2008
Explores: optimism vs. cynicism, existential crisis, finding joy.
Much like the practical philosophy explored in How to Be Perfect, this film examines the tension between optimism and cynicism while navigating the complexities of being a good person.
Pitch Perfect
Jason Moore · Film · 2012
Explores: Underdog Story, Female Empowerment, Finding Your Voice.
The emphasis on teamwork and finding one’s voice mirrors the collaborative moral growth advocated in How to Be Perfect, proving that even life's messiest social dynamics require conscious, ethical navigation.
Bo Burnham: Make Happy
Film · 2016
Explores: Existentialism, Mental health, Social media culture.
This performance art special tackles the same existential questions found in How to Be Perfect, using humor and music to dissect the hypocrisies of modern life and human performativity.
Series on the same thread
The Good Place
Michael Schur · Series · 2016
Explores: Redemption, Moral Improvement, Existentialism.
Since this series shares a creator with How to Be Perfect, it serves as the ultimate companion piece, dramatizing the exact moral philosophy and redemption arcs found within the book.
Podcasts on the same thread
How to Be a Better Human
Podcast
Explores: personal growth, self-reflection, mindfulness.
If you appreciated the accessible self-improvement strategies in How to Be Perfect, this podcast continues the conversation by blending humor with actionable insights on mindfulness and emotional intelligence.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is How to Be Perfect a guide for living an ethical life?
Yes, How to Be Perfect serves as a guide for living an ethical life. It draws on 2,500 years of deep thinking from around the world to help readers navigate moral questions and improve their daily decision-making processes through philosophical inquiry.
Who wrote How to Be Perfect?
How to Be Perfect was written by Michael Schur and Todd May. Michael Schur is known as the creator of The Good Place and the co-creator of Parks and Recreation, while Todd May is a philosopher who contributes academic expertise to the text.
Does How to Be Perfect draw on historical philosophy?
Yes, How to Be Perfect draws on 2,500 years of deep thinking from around the world. The authors incorporate various historical perspectives and philosophical traditions to provide a comprehensive look at how individuals can strive to lead more ethical lives in the modern era.
When was How to Be Perfect published?
How to Be Perfect was published in 2022. The book represents a collaboration between Michael Schur and Todd May, offering readers a structured approach to ethics based on centuries of human thought and philosophical exploration regarding how to be a better person.