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Useless Virtues, T. R. Hummer's seventh book of poetry, is a wide-ranging series of forays into metaphysical territory. Its presiding inquiry concerns the dependency of our consciousness and our spirit on the untrustworthy powers of language. How often and how deeply is our faith -- in words, if not in gods -- misplaced, destructive, glorious, redemptive? How can we know? This powerful collection is fueled by the desire to answer these impossible, indispensable questions. The centerpiece of the book, Axis, takes as its terrain the thought of Martin Heidegger, and through this brilliant and controversial figure the nature of identity, of humanity, is contemplated. The poem is, finally, a lyrical farewell to the poet's father and to his generation -- the generation for which World War II was the great defining destiny -- and hence to that century we called 19. In these poems we find the almost sensual allure of direst possibility. From a woman who, during lovemaking, envisions strangling her lover, to a Pernod drinker whose dark imaginings recall the absinthe addicts of an earlier era -- mortality and loss, as well as human failing, are hovering presences. Philosophic and searching, traditional yet bold, Useless Virtues is the work of a master poet at his best.
This book, the last that noted moral theologian Servais Pinckaers, OP, wrote before his death, was conceived as a follow-up to his previous work Plaidoyer pour la vertu (An Appeal for Virtue) (2007) Pinckaers' aim in Passions and Virtue was to show the positive and essential role that our emotions play in the life of virtue. His purpose is part of a larger project of renewing moral theology, a theology too often experienced as an ethics of obligation rather than as a practical guide to living virtuously. To this end, Pinckaers sketches a positive psychology of the passions as found in the biblical tradition, in the writings of the Fathers of the Church, in pagan authors and, especially, in the writings of Saint Thomas Aquinas.
What is a good life? What does it mean to be a good person? Richard White answers these questions by considering aspects of moral goodness through the virtues: courage, temperance, justice, compassion, and wisdom. White explores how moral virtues affect and support social movements such as pacifism, environmentalism, multiculturalism, and animal rights. Drawing on the classics, White includes historical and cross-cultural analysis and examines the lives of Socrates, Buddha, and Gandhi, who lived virtuous lives, to help the reader understand and acquire moral wisdom. Book jacket.
Responsibility. Courage. Compassion. Honesty. Friendship. Persistence. Faith. Everyone recognizes these traits as essentials of good character. In order for our children to develop such traits, we have to offer them examples of good and bad, right and wrong. And the best places to find them are in great works of literature and exemplary stories from history. William J. Bennett has collected hundreds of stories in The Book of Virtues, an instructive and inspiring anthology that will help children understand and develop character -- and help adults teach them. From the Bible to American history, from Greek mythology to English poetry, from fairy tales to modern fiction, these stories are a rich mine of moral literacy, a reliable moral reference point that will help anchor our children and ourselves in our culture, our history, and our traditions -- the sources of the ideals by which we wish to live our lives. Complete with instructive introductions and notes, The Book of Virtues is a book the whole family can read and enjoy -- and learn from -- together.
Howard J. Curzer presents a fresh new reading of Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics, which brings each of the virtues alive. He argues that justice and friendship are symbiotic in Aristotle's view; reveals how virtue ethics is not only about being good, but about becoming good; and describes Aristotle's ultimate quest to determine happiness.
The definitive guide to understanding Taoism—no matter your background or faith Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching is the second most translated book in the world, and the practice of religious Taoism is on the rise in China, where adherents currently number in the hundreds of millions. Yet there remains a remarkable lack of reliable information about Taoism for curious westerners. Taoism For Dummies provides comprehensive coverage of Taoism's origins in China's Chou Dynasty, its underlying quietist principles, its emergence as a major religion, various interpretation of its core texts, including both Eastern and Western interpretations, key Taoist concepts, and much more. It also provides a fascinating glimpse of Taoism in contemporary China. The ideal guide for readers interested in this influential religion, as well as those taking an introductory course on Taoism or Chinese Religion A valuable source of insight for those with an interest in modern Chinese culture and beliefs
"These translations from the Latin works of Thomas Aquinas, Albert the Great, and Philip the Chancellor concentrate on the four cardinal virtues - prudence, justice, courage, and temperance - first identified by Plato as essential requirements for living a happy and morally good life." "An historical introduction traces the development of the doctrine of four cardinal virtues from Greek philosophy through the thirteenth century. The treatment isolates three stages in this development: (1) Greek and Roman Philosophi: Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, early Stoics, Cicero, and Seneca; (2) early Christian Sancti: Ambrose, Jerome, Augustine, and Gregory; and (3) medieval schoolmen (Magistri): Master Peter Lombard, Philip the Chancellor, Albert, and Aquinas."--BOOK JACKET
The 'Christian Collection: Scripture, History, Theology, Spirituality, and Fiction' anthology brings together a rich tapestry of works that traverse a formidable landscape of Christian thought, belief, and narrative. Featuring an eclectic mix of genres, including theological treatises, historical analyses, spiritual autobiographies, and imaginative fiction, this collection provides a panoramic view of Christian intellectual and cultural heritage. The range of literary styles and the depth of themes exploredranging from the sublime to the divine, from the struggles of faith to the triumphs of spiritual enlightenmentdemonstrate the diversity and significance of the works included. Among these are standout pieces that have shaped religious thoughts and inspired millions worldwide, offering readers a comprehensive insight into the development of Christian ideology and its impact on global culture. The assembled authors and editors form a venerable who's who of literary and theological thought, from ancient church fathers like Saint Augustine and Athanasius of Alexandria to iconic writers such as Dante Alighieri and Leo Tolstoy, up to modern philosophers like Friedrich Nietzsche and critical spirits like Voltaire. Their collective contributions frame a dialogue that stretches across centuries, shedding light on pivotal moments and movements within Christianity and its interaction with the world at large. This anthology aligns with significant historical, cultural, and literary movements, presenting a collective voice that encapsulates the spectrum of Christian thought and its evolution over time. This collection is recommended for anyone interested in traversing the vast expanses of Christian literature and thought. From scholars to lay readers, the anthology offers a unique opportunity to explore the multifaceted aspects of Christian theology, history, spirituality, and narrative through a single volume. Delving into this collection promises not only an educational journey through the corridors of Christian thought but also an enriching experience that fosters a deeper understanding of the myriad ways in which Christianity has influenced, and been influenced by, the world. The 'Christian Collection' is an essential reading for those seeking to comprehend the breadth and depth of Christian discourse across ages.