Book Review - Intelligent Disobedience: Doing Right When What You're Told to Do Is Wrong

About the Book

When It’s Smart to Say No

Nearly every week we read about a tragedy or scandal that could have been prevented if individuals had said no to ill-advised or illegitimate orders. In this timely book, Ira Chaleff explores when and how to disobey inappropriate orders, reduce unacceptable risk, and find better ways to achieve legitimate goals.

The inspiration for the book, and its title, comes from the concept of intelligent disobedience used in guide dog training. Guide dogs must recognize and resist a command that would put their human and themselves at risk and identify safer options for achieving the goal. This is precisely what Chaleff helps humans do. Using both deeply disturbing and uplifting examples, as well as critical but largely forgotten research, he shows how to create a culture where, rather than “just following orders,” people hold themselves accountable to do the right thing, always.



My Take on the Book
There are definite times when you will be challenged with the dilemma of whether you will disobey an order from someone in a higher authority. This book allows you to better understand what you can do to challenge authority. This book walks you through many scenarios that will help you better conceptualize what you can do next time you are challenged with a dilemma like this.  The book explores our society and how people are trained to obey others and not challenge. The author is trying to change the discourse to allow people to challenge in ways that will move our society in a new direction that will help everyone to make the society stronger in the end.


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