Teaching the Virtues

Can virtue be taught?

A good education should form both the mind and character, says author and longtime teacher David Hein. And character, he shows, is the outcome of education of the mind and habituation of the will.

Even very good schools, religious and secular, can do better at teaching students virtues such as prudence, justice, courage, temperance, faith, hope, love, loyalty, and patience.

Drawing on examples from history, literature, and film, Hein shows that young people learn virtue by becoming persons of good character.

Teaching the Virtues is an invaluable primer for teachers at traditional church schools, in classical Christian schools, and in homeschooling settings, as well as for parents of school-age children.

PRAISE FOR TEACHING THE VIRTUES

"Teaching the Virtues is a gateway. Enter it for useful and hopeful thoughts about teaching, learning, and life."
-Richard Brookhiser, author of George Washington on Leadership

"Anyone who has pondered such questions as 'How should I live my life?' will be grateful to David Hein for this scintillating and accessible trip through the garden of practical wisdom."
-Roger Kimball, editor of the New Criterion

"This very important book needs to be read by anyone interested in teaching the virtues in secondary schools."
-The Reverend Dr. D. Stuart Dunnan, headmaster of Saint James School (Maryland)

"This primer will serve teachers and nonteachers interested in living well and helping others to live well."
-Mark Tooley, president of the Institute on Religion and Democracy

"Our culture urgently needs everything that this distinctive work represents."
-Roberta L. Bayer, Patrick Henry College

"Hein's book provides much matter for thought, and subsequent action, for educators and parents."
-Alvaro de Vicente, headmaster of The Heights School (Maryland)

"This book is a tonic for an age that regards the old virtues with contempt."
-Joseph Loconte, Grove City College

"This beautiful little bookbegins a conversation among educators regarding the ethical character on which true learning depends."
-Ryan R. Holston, Virginia Military Institute