{"id":1434,"date":"2026-06-03T19:13:21","date_gmt":"2026-06-03T23:13:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cohort21.com\/garthnichols\/?p=1434"},"modified":"2026-05-03T19:20:19","modified_gmt":"2026-05-03T23:20:19","slug":"book-review-between-fixed-fickle-a-dahl","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cohort21.com\/garthnichols\/21st-century-skills\/book-review-between-fixed-fickle-a-dahl\/","title":{"rendered":"Book Review: Between Fixed & Fickle (A.Dahl)"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\u201cWhy didn\u2019t people all along see the obvious moral truths\u2014and how could today\u2019s young generation be blind to them anew?\u201d (p.170<\/em>)<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

As leaders, we are tasked with moral decisions daily\u2014decisions on inclusion, fairness, and evolving cultural norms. Audun Dahl\u2019s Between Fixed and Fickle<\/em> reminds us that what seems like moral certainty today was often debated yesterday. This book is essential reading for leaders who want to understand not just the what of moral change, but the why.<\/p>\n

You would be interested in this book if…<\/h3>\n

You\u2019re a leader navigating ethical dilemmas, especially in fast-changing contexts.<\/p>\n

You\u2019ve ever wondered why generations differ so widely on moral issues, or if you want to lead with empathy through these shifts<\/p>\n

You were intrigued by Kurt Gray’s “Outraged!”<\/a> and want to deep dive into moral psychology a bit further, with research and practical applications.<\/p>\n

Why Leaders Must Embrace Moral Reversals<\/h3>\n

History is full of moral reversals, from slavery to civil rights. Dahl asks us, as leaders, to be aware that today\u2019s norms may shift. On page 170, he poses the key question: why didn\u2019t people see moral truths earlier? This question is vital. As leaders, we must stay open to future moral expansions\u2014on equity, diversity, or even technology use. We are not just decision-makers; we are moral shepherds of future generations.<\/p>\n

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Cheating, Integrity, and the Leader\u2019s Role<\/h3>\n

Dahl\u2019s exploration of cheating (p.71) reveals a crucial leadership insight: we must foster integrity not through fear of punishment but by explaining why integrity matters. Leaders create ethical cultures by contextualizing moral choices. In a world of AI and rapid change, we must help our teams see beyond immediate pressures\u2014to the deeper values that sustain trust in our organizations.<\/p>\n

Emotions and Reason: A Leader\u2019s Balancing Act<\/h3>\n

On page 108, Dahl highlights that reason and emotion are inseparable. This is essential for leaders. We can\u2019t expect purely rational choices from ourselves or others. Understanding that moral decisions blend both helps us lead with compassion\u2014recognizing the emotions that accompany change and the reason that justifies it.<\/p>\n

Trolleyology and the Leader\u2019s Dilemma<\/h3>\n

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Dahl\u2019s exploration of trolleyology (p.24) mirrors the leader\u2019s challenge: we often must choose between imperfect options. By understanding why moral views shift, we equip ourselves to navigate dilemmas that seem impossible. Leaders must see nuance, not moral absolutes.<\/p>\n