Learning the Virtues: That Lead You to God

by Romano Guardini

Grow beyond “Thou Shalt Not”Learn how to cultivate virtue so that you’ll please God in what you do— not just in what you don’t do. Here are ways to make the key virtues that lead you to God a permanent part of your character.

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

215 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 1998

About the author

Romano Guardini was a Catholic priest, author, and academic. He was one of the most important figures in Catholic intellectual life in the 20th century.

Guardini was born in Verona, Italy in 1885. His family moved to Mainz when he was one year old and he lived in Germany for the rest of his life. After studying chemistry in Tübingen for two semesters, and economics in Munich and Berlin for three, he decided to become a priest. After studying Theology in Freiburg im Breisgau and Tübingen, he was ordained in Mainz in 1910. He briefly worked in a pastoral position before returning to Freiburg to work on his doctorate in Theology under Engelbert Krebs. He received his doctorate in 1915 for a dissertation on Bonaventure. He completed his “Habilitation” in Dogmatic Theology at the University of Bonn in 1922, again with a dissertation on Bonaventure. Throughout this period he also worked as a chaplain to the Catholic youth movement.

In 1923 he was appointed to a chair in Philosophy of Religion at the University of Berlin. In the 1935 essay “Der Heiland” (The Saviour) he criticized Nazi mythologizing of the person of Jesus and emphasized the Jewishness of Jesus. The Nazis forced him to resign from his Berlin position in 1939. From 1943 to 1945 he retired to Mooshausen, where his friend Josef Weiger had been parish priest since 1917.

In 1945 Guardini was appointed professor in the Faculty of Philosophy at the University of Tübingen and resumed lecturing on the Philosophy of Religion. In 1948, he became professor at the University of Munich, where he remained until retiring for health reasons in 1962.

Guardini died in Munich on 1 October 1968. He was buried in the priests’ cemetery of the Oratory of St. Philip Neri in Munich. His estate was left to the Catholic Academy in Bavaria that he had co-founded.

Reviews

[Thadeus · Rating 4 out of 5]

To be honest, this book took me by surprise. I somewhat expected either the traditional cardinal virtues, or something related to the beatitudes. It turns out it started with the virtue of truthfulness, and went through many virtues that seem so common (additional includes courtesy and gratitude as examples).

At the same time, while they seemed common, the exploration of them was so deep and provocative that they really helped me to see things in a new light. I especially took away a lot from the chapter on silence.

Highly recommended for those wanting to grow in virtue and holiness.

[Julie Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chock full of Romano Guardini goodness though you must be aware that I'm a Guardini fan. The virtues Guardini covers are not the usual ones (faith, hope, charity) but include things like courtesy, orderliness, and gratitude. As he so often does, Guardini comes at things from different viewpoints than you'd expect and that helps us see how these virtues matter in ways we wouldn't have thought of otherwise.

Rereading this I especially appreciated how he showed in each case how animals cannot contain a particular virtue. Then he soared to the other end, showing us how God contains the seeds of those virtues which can blossom in us.

This is one that richly repays rereading.

[Andrew Mandley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend reading this book, especially if you're young and have a lot more life to live. Given the title, the publishing date, and the fact that the author was a Catholic priest, I frankly expected it to be uninteresting and long winded. To my surprise, I found it incredibly practical and relatable, especially for how theologically sound it is. Guardini uses moderately high diction to describe numerous concepts that I'd never thought of before, so I frequently found myself rereading sections, but it was well worth it!

[J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great for beginners, I wish I had read this when I was younger. Even though the author died 1968, you get the sense that he was alive even today writing about these same virtues, because they are still relevant to this day.

The virtues in this book are not the cardinal virtues, although to be sure, the Cardinal Virtues are in the background, yet I would say this book the fruition of what happens when the Divine Light of Revelation hits the flowering plants of the 4 Natural Cardinal Virtues.

The author does a good job at keeping the structure the same throughout each chapter merely changing the content to reflect each virtue he will discuss. The structure of each chapter seems organized by an understanding of what the popular understanding of the particular virtue, but then either affirmed and deepened or refuted and a richer understanding is given, the author will then proceed to show how this Virtue really is only a human virtue [as distinguished from animal look-a-likes] and how it is lived out first in the natural and then in the supernatural sense.

The author then shows how each Virtue is a reflection of some quality that God alone possesses and how in participating in the Virtue more one is actually able [by Grace] to participate more fully in the Supernatural Life that Christ came to give us.

This book is easy to read, concise and high quality information, certainly worth meditating and taking notes over. This reviewer took notes, as a suggestion to all who do so, if you organized your notes in a "Top 10 Take Aways" Fashion [Top 10 Things to remember], it would be good to allow for most of those 10 points to be a reflection of those virtues you need to still work on acquiring, rather than knowing you already possess.

[Manny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book. I would even say quirky. Guardini identifies 17 virtues, and yet of the seven official virtues (four Cardinal and three theological) Guardini only uses two, and he never says why he doesn't identify the other five. In fairness, the other five are embedded within the seventeen. The book strikes me as quirky in that Guardini comes from angles that one doesn't expect. Most of the virtues and the rationales for them seem to be idiosyncratic, and at times I felt that Guardini was trying to be overtly different. Maybe others might have a different opinion on that. Overall it was a good read, and if I could give half stars I would have rated this 3.5. But ultimately I didn't feel the book altered my perception in any way, so I went with three.

[Kerstin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a different book from what I expected. Romano Guardini presents the subject of virtues not only with definitions and applications, but sets each of them into a meditation. Some of these meditations go into directions that are surprising, and I must admit, I did not always follow his thinking. This book strikes me as one to be read multiple times. This first reading was really more for content and what tidbits transpire. In future readings one can take the time and really immerse oneself into the meditations and try to understand the essence of his thought processes.

[Anna Elissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’d certainly give this book 11/10 if I could!! A forgotten classic that every Catholic must read and contemplate often!! Very rich and deep! This book will surely change your spiritual life to the better!

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enlightening and beautifully written.

[Cris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am enjoying this book, nevertheless I feel this book is best appreciated by people who already know what the virtues are. The classical AND theological virtues, I mean. If you do not already know those definitions this book is going to read a bit random, which is Guardini's trademark style of writing (throw everything and the kitchen sink into it). Having said that, this is a good practical book which outlines meta:virtues. Things you need to manage before achieving virtue. Good examples of this are a love of silence and a love of order. Those things by themselves will not get you to heaven but unless you can learn recollection, something that happens in silence, you cannot observe your interior life. Orderliness also serves functions of keeping the world at bay. Peftect infused persons may be able to bear being pricked during trances but the rest of us have to intelligently manage distractions in order to grow in virtue.

[Sharon · Rating 1 out of 5]

Perhaps this book would be helpful or interesting to some readers; however, I am not one of them. I found this book to be long (TOO long) on abstract ruminations about virtues and short (make that non-existent) on practicalities. For instance, I could have used only 1 percent of the author's observations on loyalty or courage and 99 percent practical advice on how to develop these virtues. I found this book tedious and not interesting or helpful in the least.

[Tom Willis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly wonderful book, the first one have read by Father Guardini. I loved how I was constantly being surprised by what he had to say. I often find that I can tell where an author is going in on a certain topic. Fr Guardini however offers incredible and novel insight on numerous and neglected virtues here. I must reread this.

[Galicius · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading selection of the Catholic Thought group, July-Aug 2016, where the discussion is in. All are welcome to join the group.

[Erik · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoy reading Fr. Guardini. His thoughts are deep but expressed carefully and in just enough detail that even I can follow but am not bogged down. Each of the many virtues he addresses in this book is presented as its own chapter. For each, he explains how expression of the virtue is an expression of what it is to be human, in a man with a connection to God. He finishes by showing how the virtue is expressed by God himself, an interesting twist. I returned to this book again and again, taking it in sips, which is why it took over three years to completely finish, although it could be read considerably faster.

- The Nature of Virtue
- Truthfulness
- Acceptance
- Patience: Mature, responsible life begins with our accepting people as they are.
- Justice: To deal with things according to what their nature demands.
- Reverence: A thought: We are saved because of God's reverence for us, granting us free will.
- Loyalty
- Disinterestedness: Do not let your concerns interfere with your relationships.
- Asceticism: Stems not from an abhorrence of nature but from the desire to put duty ahead of desire.
- Courage: A general attitude where one accepts the unknown with bravery, going out to meet the challenges of life.
- Kindness: To be well disposed to life.
- Understanding: Starts with giving others the freedom to be who they are, and then asking what that is and why.
- Courtesy: Simply proper behavior, the result of a good upbringing.
- Gratitude: Demonstrates our ability to reason about the world and what is freely given as opposed to merely existing.
- Unselfishness: We find ourselves only when we die to ourselves.
- Recollection: We can only "pray unceasingly" if we have an active interior life.
- Silence: A considered act wherein we quiet the inner noise and find God.
- Justice Before God: Trust that God will do His part. Participate in the covenant of Jesus.

[Sheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book looks in depth at about 20 different virtues, and the author has some interesting insights that I hadn't heard before. It's a nice mix of philosophical and practical. He's a little too esoteric for me at times, but I'm not the brightest crayon in the box, so ymmv. This book was originally published in 1963, but has a prescient view of our time. One example that really struck me was when he talks about the virtue of recollection, which today we'd probably call mindfulness or the interior life:

"Publicity forces itself upon personal lives without the least consideration, so that privacy is plainly disappearing... [The individual] does not act from interior initiative, but only as he is propelled by impulses that come from without."

He then goes on to make a pretty convincing argument about the consequences this has on society as a whole, concluding that:

"After the experiences of the past half century we must emphasize that the violence of the state...must deprive man of self and interiority in order to have dominion over him"

Pretty haunting, when seen in the light of politics and social media in the 21st century. ANyway, if you're interested in something more than the pop-Christian pablum written today, I recommend this.

[Anne-Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What makes us truly human? Realising the good, explains Romano Guardini. How we realise the good is by authentically living the virtues. Through a series of reflections on perspectives, virtues and dispositions, Guardini seeks to guide us to the realisation that “the knowledge of the good is a cause of joy.” In many of his reflections he uses the natural world to show first how we are similar to the animals but then where we differ. For example in the chapter on understanding he considers how the birds raise their young and have an understanding between each other. But then, as soon as their young are grown the understanding disappears as the parents and offspring go their separate ways. By contrast, we need to sustain that understanding throughout our lives and continue to grow in this virtue. By using the natural world in this way, he makes the context universally appealing and for ever relevant.
Philosophically based books speak to my soul in an enchanting way and this is no exception. I am not surprised Pope Benedict raved about him. This is in an amazing book that appears to be very simple, but is full of profound insights that help you to endeavour to live the virtues and realise the good which is God.

[Ignacio Perez · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book consists of a proposal of ethics for the men and women of the author’s time.
The book is about knowledge of good as a cause for joy. It runs through different virtues and ends in an epilogue about justice before God.
The strongest point of the book is that it gives a positive sight of moral - it is not a stoic imposition, but something that tends to good -, and that realizes a complete effort of reflection about morale. However, its language and style have got a little dated – one should think it is written in the past century.
This book is greatly recommendable. It appeals either to people who like Romano Guardini, or those interested in dialectical theology.

[Elkaza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went to a catholic school, but leant nothing about the virtues or the vices. Thus, was hoping this book could educate me on this subject, and it did. However, sometimes it was a heavy read for me, hence took me a few weeks to get through this book. Nevertheless, this book really does give a good overall about the virtues and how to, as the back cover says – cultivate the virtues into your daily life.

A must read for all catholics today!

[James Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book that covers many virtues, and not the ones we always think about. Interesting how this was definitely written to address issues of the day, while also often still being relevant. His style and message was certain for a time though, and this is not a 'great spiritual classic' and yet there is much to get out of it, even if at times it becomes easy to gaze over it.

[Tyler Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Challenging and Inspiring

I was looking for a book to help me share the Christian virtues with my kids. I ended up being challenged, inspired and uplifted by Guadini's meditations. I was refreshed by the way Guardini demonstrated that each virtue is more than a rule or code, but an entry point into knowledge of self and of God.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really exceptional book. Each chapter outlines a virtue; the approach is deep and highly personal. I really appreciated the fact that learning about each virtue felt insightful rather than prescriptive. Highly recommend.

[Jill M Caldwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clear and thoughtful. I liked the book because Guardini discusses the virtues and the behavior or sin that drives you from the virtue. We all have virtues that come naturally, but those that do not are the ones we are called to acknowledge and work on.

[Mina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deep deep deep exploration in the Christian virtues, not morals, and connecting them to their source, God. Fr. Guardini took me to a rediscovering journey of what it means to live a virtuous life.It starts and ends with God, God is very simple, close and in our hearts.

[Fr. Zachary Galante · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a big fan of Guardini. This was actually the first book I’ve read of his back in 2014. He has a masterful way of presenting the virtues helping to stir up a real desire to be holy. Definitely recommend and will use for later homilies and teaching for a class.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best meditative books on virtues I have read. I highly recommend it. Even if you just read the one section on Objective Truth, this book will be well worth the cost.

[Robert Christian · Rating 4 out of 5]

good but a little uneven

[Quratulain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book

[Emma Geis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent book by Guardini.

[Danna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was rly insightful! I enjoyed the combination of deep insights with practical examples.

[Joel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Virtues! I decided to read this book with my grandma who is Catholic like myself. This book helped us apply the virtues to our lives and grow in our faith. The Romano Guardini likes to dive into each virtue with great detail and explanation making it easy for the reader to follow and understand. I definitely recommend it!

[Sam Fink]

A very good book; one that you want to share with others but also want to protect from detractors or critics. It made me pause and think often through its pages. I regretted buying it as a Kindle book because adding notes is so slow and painstaking that way. I will likely go back over parts again in the near future. This is the 2nd book by the author that I have read and I will probably seek out others.