Born a Crime by Trevor Noah vs. Nicomachean Ethics
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood is Trevor Noah’s autobiography, published in 2016. It tells the story of his early years growing up in South Africa during and after apartheid. The title comes from the fact that his birth—he had a black Xhosa mother and a white Swiss-German father—was literally considered a crime under apartheid laws that banned interracial relationships at the time. The book is a mix of humor and tough truths. Much of it focuses on Trevor’s relationship with his mother, Patricia, who plays a huge role in his life. She’s portrayed as tough, religious, and fiercely independent—someone who dragged him to multiple church services every week, even during times of violence and unrest. Her strong influence shapes his character, often through strict discipline and sharp lessons about right and wrong. Trevor shares stories from his childhood that range from funny to intense. There’s a scene where his mother throws him out of a moving minibus to save him f...
Nicomachean Ethics
"Nicomachean Ethics," written by the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle, is a foundational text in Western philosophy. This work explores the nature of ethical virtue and the path to a good and fulfilling life. Aristotle delves into concepts such as happiness (eudaimonia), virtue (arete), and the importance of practical wisdom (phronesis). The text is a detailed examination of how individuals can achieve moral and intellectual virtues through habitual practice and rational deliberation.

Reviews
Reviewed on 2/25/2025
I'm a sucker for audiobooks read by the author and this is one of them. Trevor Noah is a skilled comedian and his stories of his growing up in South Africa are genuinely hilarious. It's like listening to a book-length stand up show.
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Read by Trevor Noah | 1 | |
Funny | 1 | |
Easy listen | 1 |
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No cons yet, would you like to add one? |
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Essential reading for students of philosophy and ethics | 1 | |
Practical wisdom | 1 | |
Offers profound reflections on ethics and the good life | 1 |
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Dense and complex | 1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
'Born a Crime' is an engaging and humorous audiobook read by the author, Trevor Noah, making it an easy listen filled with personal anecdotes and comedy. In contrast, 'Nicomachean Ethics' is a foundational philosophical text that offers profound reflections on ethics but is often considered dense and complex. If you prefer a light-hearted narrative, 'Born a Crime' may be more engaging, while 'Nicomachean Ethics' is better suited for those seeking deep philosophical insights.
'Nicomachean Ethics' is specifically focused on ethical virtue and practical wisdom, providing a detailed examination of how to achieve moral and intellectual virtues. While 'Born a Crime' offers life lessons through humor and personal stories, it does not delve into practical wisdom in the same philosophical manner as Aristotle's work. Therefore, if practical wisdom is your primary interest, 'Nicomachean Ethics' is the better choice.
'Born a Crime' is primarily a comedic memoir that shares Trevor Noah's experiences growing up in South Africa, making it less focused on philosophical insights. In contrast, 'Nicomachean Ethics' is a philosophical text that deeply explores ethical concepts and the nature of a good life. If you are looking for philosophical insights, 'Nicomachean Ethics' would be the more suitable choice.
'Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood' is Trevor Noah’s autobiography that recounts his early years growing up in South Africa during and after apartheid. The book explores themes of race, identity, and resilience, focusing on his relationship with his mother and the challenges they faced due to the apartheid laws that deemed his very existence a crime.
Trevor Noah is a South African comedian, television host, and political commentator, best known for hosting 'The Daily Show' on Comedy Central. He gained international fame for his insightful and humorous takes on current events, and his autobiography 'Born a Crime' has been widely praised for its storytelling and humor.
Pros of 'Born a Crime' include that it is read by Trevor Noah himself, making it an engaging audiobook experience. Many listeners find it funny and appreciate its easy listening quality. There are currently no cons listed for the book.
'Born a Crime' has an engaging and warm ambiance, as Trevor Noah uses humor to navigate serious topics. His storytelling style creates a relatable and entertaining atmosphere, making listeners feel as though they are part of his journey.
Readers have praised 'Born a Crime' for its humor and authenticity. Many enjoy listening to the audiobook version, especially since it is narrated by Trevor Noah himself, which adds a personal touch to the stories he shares about his childhood in South Africa.
'Nicomachean Ethics,' written by the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle, is a foundational text in Western philosophy. This work explores the nature of ethical virtue and the path to a good and fulfilling life. Aristotle delves into concepts such as happiness (eudaimonia), virtue (arete), and the importance of practical wisdom (phronesis). The text is a detailed examination of how individuals can achieve moral and intellectual virtues through habitual practice and rational deliberation.
Pros of 'Nicomachean Ethics' include it being essential reading for students of philosophy and ethics, offering practical wisdom, and providing profound reflections on ethics and the good life. However, a con is that the text can be dense and complex.