The Paradise of the Soul: Forty-Two Virtues to Reach Heaven

TAN Resurrection

by Albertus Magnus, Robert Nixon (Translator)

“For I am certain that if anyone reaches perfection in just a single one of these virtues, they shall achieve perfection in them all. And whoever increases in one virtue, will simultaneously grow in every other virtue, too.”
—Saint Albert the Great
 
What is virtue? It is not a question often asked anymore; yet throughout the centuries, philosophers have considered it one of the most important questions of human life. Coming from the Latin word for “strength,” virtue denotes a steady habit of willing the good—in Christian terms, pursuing the love of God and neighbor—in some particular way. While most Catholics know the virtues of faith, hope, and charity, as well as prudence, temperance, courage, and justice, many of us are unaware of numerous other virtues, such as discretion, constancy, and holy silence.
 
Saint Albert the Great, one of the greatest Doctors of the Church, and one of the greatest intellects of all time, recognized 42 distinct virtues. His teachings not only name and define the virtues but also direct and guide us in their fruitful exercise. Few are as qualified to teach on this subject as Albert, the Universal Doctor, best known as the teacher of Saint Thomas Aquinas himself. Only a man of true virtue could teach the truth of the virtues.
                                                    
Brimming with heavenly insights, The Paradise of the Soul teaches what it means to attain beatitude—that is, the fulfillment of all virtue. But as Saint Albert knew, since the fullness of virtues is contained in love, and because God is love, ultimately, we can only achieve true plenitude of virtue by possessing God Himself. This is the true paradise of the soul. Let Saint Albert the Great, Doctor of the Angelic Doctor, instruct you on the path to sanctity among angels.
 

Genres: Religion, Catholic, Classics, Spirituality, Theology, Nonfiction, Christianity

288 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1250

About the author

born in perhaps 1206

German religious philosopher Saint Albertus Magnus, originally Albert, count von Bollstadt, and also noted as the teacher of Saint Thomas Aquinas, sought to apply methods of Aristotle to current scientific questions.

Also known as Albert the Great and Albert of Cologne, this member of the Catholic order of preachers (Dominicans) served as friar and from 1260 to 1262 as bishop of Regensburg. During his lifetime, people knew him as doctor universalis and doctor expertus and later appended the term magnus ("the great") to his name. Scholars, such as James Athanasius Weisheipl and Joachim Roland Söder, referred to this greatest theologian of the Middle Ages. The Church honors him among its 35 doctors.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albertu...

Reviews

[Dan Harazin · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Lord, I ask that You confer at least one perfect and true virtue on each person who reads this treatise, or hears it being read, or who reflects upon its contents. For I am certain that if anyone reaches perfection in just a single one of these virtues, they shall achieve perfection in them all. And whoever increases in one virtue will simultaneously grow in every other virtue too.”

This book is a great devotional tool and a great examination of conscience. At every chapter, I began by thinking “I believe I have this virtue in a limited way, at least”. Only to realize I really don’t. The only line that 100% applies to me is in the epilogue, when St. Albert states he has “not arrived at the beginning” of any of the virtues.

I committed to making a list of those virtues I lack, but since it was all 42 to some degree, I picked the ones I’m worst at. Ironically I lack both Holy Joy and Holy sadness.

Very good book overalll though and I’ll continue to read it as a devotional, maybe taking a few days on each virtue this time.


Humility
Chastity
Abstinence
Fortitude
Justice
Temperance
Compassion
Mercy
Peacefulness
Generosity
Gentleness
Hope
Holy Joy
Holy Sadness
Gratitude
Zeal for Souls
Spiritual Living
Simplicity
Discretion
Sharing of joy
Confidence
Contrition
Honest confession

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I've mentioned, elsewhere, in other reviews, in my pursuit of (through God's grace) replacing my manifold defects with the virtues necessary to perform well in my vocations of Husband and Father as well as to follow all of God's commandments and His will for my life, I've found it all a bit overwhelming, especially by what little bit of Thomistic teaching (St. Thomas Aquinus is a student of St. Albert's as it turns out) I've received from learn-ed doctors like Dr. Peter Kreef and the extremely-helpful, speaker of God's truth, the exorcist, Fr. Chad Ripperger.

I haven't dared attempted St. Thomas's massive undertaking, the Summa Theologiae, but Dr. Kreefts Audio lectures on it were pretty helpful.

All that said, conversely, St. Albert's translated words were easy to follow. He's a great teacher, and I gained many fruits from reading this. After each virtue covered, he says a beautiful prayer asking God the Father for help in cultivating that virtue. I've tried to find the prayers online as I want to ask some or all of them to my repertoire, but this book seems to be the only place to find them. So I need to go ahead and buy it already. Would be totally worth it.

Doctor of the Church, St. Albert the Great, pray for us!

[Oscar Martinez II · Rating 4 out of 5]

Want to know what virtues a Christian should have, what they look like in actual application, and most importantly where you're falling short of the mark? This is the book for you! Doctor of the Universal Church St. Albert the Great walks readers through 42 virtues, using proofs from scripture and the saints to illustrate what they consist of and how they can and should be implemented in our own lives, before ending off with a prayer to help us ask God to grant us the grace necessary to cultivate these virtues for His glory and the attainment of Heaven.

[Maester Prolog · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an excellent treatise for all who wish to understand the virtues and grow in them. This serves as the perfect prototype for his pupil St Thomas Aquinas’ treatment on virtue. I believe everyone should read this book.

[Rob Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exquisite masterpiece.

[Kassie R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read a chapter of this daily. So good. A favorite and must read!