Why do women equate self-denial with being good ? We congratulate ourselves when we resist the donut in the office breakroom. We celebrate our restraint when we hold back from sending an email in anger. We put others needs ahead of our own and believe this makes us exemplary.

Journalist and podcast host Elise Loehnen explains that these impulses often lauded as distinctly feminine instincts are actually ingrained in us by a culture that reaps the benefits, via an extraordinarily effective collection of social mores: Lust. Gluttony. Greed. Sloth. Wrath. Envy. Pride.

These so-called deadly sins have been used by the patriarchy to control women throughout our history. For instance, a fear of gluttony drives us to ignore our appetites and an aversion to greed prevents us from negotiating a better salary at work.

So, what would happen if we stopped trying to be good ? By sharing her own story and the spiritual wisdom of other traditions, Elise Loehnen shows how we can break free and discover a path toward a more balanced, fulfilled way to live.

'Brilliantly reframes our toxic cultural programming' LORI GOTTLIEB

'Half historical docent, half big sister with a hot cup of tea, read this and change your life' TERRENCE REAL

'A stunning, big and bold encyclopedia of how to live' LISA TADDEO

'A guide to liberation and a return to the authentic feminine self' GABOR MAT

'Astute, radical and utterly compelling' KATHERINE MAY