The article discusses the concept of shame and its importance in society, particularly in relation to financial executives' behavior during the 2008 financial crisis. Jennifer Jacquet, a researcher at the University of British Columbia, is highlighted as someone who studies the effects of honor and shame on cooperation. The author raises questions about the necessity of shame in balancing individual and group interests in various social dilemmas such as energy, food, water shortages, climate disruption, declining fisheries, increasing antibiotic resistance, and nuclear warfare.