Book excerpt: Could a long-dead German philosopher have anything useful to say about how you should live your life? In the case of Immanuel Kant, the answer is yes. Although Kant is best known for his abstract ethical writings, you might be surprised to learn that this philosophical giant had things to say about gossiping, doing favors, getting drunk, telling white lies, and being a good dinner party guest. This book will help you understand the essential framework of Kant's ethical theory, with its emphasis on rationality, freedom, and hopefulness. It will show you what it means to live in a Kantian way, and how valuable it can be to do so.