The Right Side of History: How Reason and Moral Purpose Made the West Great

Ben Shapiro argues that Western civilization faces a crisis of purpose and ideas. He contends that societies have replaced community with grievances, limited individual rights through political expediency, and prioritized emotions over rational debate. According to Shapiro, the West's greatest achievements stem from two foundational beliefs: that every human is made in God's image (Judeo-Christian values) and that humans possess reason capable of understanding the world (Greek philosophy). These twin principles, Shapiro claims, enabled the development of science, progress, human rights, prosperity, and peace. He traces this history across 3,500 years and numerous philosophers, arguing that Jerusalem and Athens built America, ended slavery, defeated totalitarian regimes, and lifted billions from poverty. Shapiro warns that the West is abandoning these values in favor of intersectionality, scientific materialism, progressive politics, authoritarianism, and nationalism. He contends this shift toward tribalism, hedonism, and moral subjectivism threatens civilization's foundations. The book examines how faith and reason once formed the basis of Western freedom and explores the consequences of departing from these principles.