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The Roots of Moral Evil
In the realm of moral philosophy, Dietrich von Hildebrand’s Ethics has long been considered a cornerstone text, thought to represent the whole of Hildebrand’s profound insights on moral evil; yet, as Martin Cajthaml’s latest scholarly endeavor reveals, there is much more to Hildebrand’s discourse on moral evil than was previously known.
- GenresPhilosophy
272 pages, Paperback
Published September 10, 2024
18 people want to read
About the author
Dietrich von Hildebrand
77 books210 followersDietrich von Hildebrand was a German Catholic philosopher and theologian who was called (informally) by Pope Pius XII "the 20th Century Doctor of the Church."
Pope John Paul II greatly admired the work of von Hildebrand, remarking once to von Hildebrand's widow, Alice von Hildebrand, "Your husband is one of the great ethicists of the twentieth century." Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI has a particular admiration and regard for Dietrich von Hildebrand, whom he already knew as a young priest in Munich. In fact, as young Fr. Ratzinger, he even served as an assistant pastor in the church of St. Georg in Munich, which von Hildebrand frequented in the 1950s and 1960s. It was also in St. Georg that Dietrich and Alice von Hildebrand were married.
The degree of Pope Benedict's esteem is expressed in one of his statements about von Hildebrand, "When the intellectual history of the Catholic Church in the twentieth century is written, the name of Dietrich von Hildebrand will be most prominent among the figures of our time." Von Hildebrand was a vocal critic of the changes in the church brought by the Second Vatican Council. He especially resented the new liturgy. Of it he said "Truly, if one of the devils in C.S. Lewis' The Screwtape Letters had been entrusted with the ruin of the liturgy, he could not have done it better."
Von Hildebrand died in New Rochelle, New York, in 1977.
Pope John Paul II greatly admired the work of von Hildebrand, remarking once to von Hildebrand's widow, Alice von Hildebrand, "Your husband is one of the great ethicists of the twentieth century." Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI has a particular admiration and regard for Dietrich von Hildebrand, whom he already knew as a young priest in Munich. In fact, as young Fr. Ratzinger, he even served as an assistant pastor in the church of St. Georg in Munich, which von Hildebrand frequented in the 1950s and 1960s. It was also in St. Georg that Dietrich and Alice von Hildebrand were married.
The degree of Pope Benedict's esteem is expressed in one of his statements about von Hildebrand, "When the intellectual history of the Catholic Church in the twentieth century is written, the name of Dietrich von Hildebrand will be most prominent among the figures of our time." Von Hildebrand was a vocal critic of the changes in the church brought by the Second Vatican Council. He especially resented the new liturgy. Of it he said "Truly, if one of the devils in C.S. Lewis' The Screwtape Letters had been entrusted with the ruin of the liturgy, he could not have done it better."
Von Hildebrand died in New Rochelle, New York, in 1977.
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
November 13, 2024
DvH's Wisdom: Cultivating Virtue and Empathy in Daily Life
I am grateful for this particular work of DvH in addition to the other works I have read of his. As a counselor, I find DvH works help deepen my understanding and listening to my clients. In my first reading, I jumped around in various sections for reflection. I am on my second read through of the book going cover to cover.
Even if you are not familiar with DvH's other writings, this is a great starter book for those who want to think along with him. DvH has a way of writing to not just uncover the thoughts of his approach, but the reader gets to explore and uncover these methods to help transform their own personal lives.
Moral evil has origins in both ourselves and the broader context of society. This book highlights proactive steps to cultivate empathy, compassion, and virtue that supports a universal moral responsibility. Every organization is made up of individuals and their choices---the section on laziness, and the collection on pride helped me see how the “seeds” of mediocrity can really start a systemic problem. All by one person at a time.
Reflecting with this book I notice the many subtle ways I often turn toward selfishness and then not embrace the love and agency of another. This book does not judge. It encourages. I value the wisdom and ways DvH invites me to notice my day to day interactions and choices.
Reflecting with DvH's philosophy, I am given hope and encouragement to confront challenges I never took notice of before. Also, empathy as to why others may be “stuck” in the things that they do. It helps me to reconcile things in my relationships and gives me clarity to what striving for living a life rooted in goodness looks like--especially to the good of others. My biggest takeaway is that moral evil is not only a struggle against external forces but an invitation to journey in becoming more grounded in love and grace. Basically, what it takes to be fully human.
I am grateful for this particular work of DvH in addition to the other works I have read of his. As a counselor, I find DvH works help deepen my understanding and listening to my clients. In my first reading, I jumped around in various sections for reflection. I am on my second read through of the book going cover to cover.
Even if you are not familiar with DvH's other writings, this is a great starter book for those who want to think along with him. DvH has a way of writing to not just uncover the thoughts of his approach, but the reader gets to explore and uncover these methods to help transform their own personal lives.
Moral evil has origins in both ourselves and the broader context of society. This book highlights proactive steps to cultivate empathy, compassion, and virtue that supports a universal moral responsibility. Every organization is made up of individuals and their choices---the section on laziness, and the collection on pride helped me see how the “seeds” of mediocrity can really start a systemic problem. All by one person at a time.
Reflecting with this book I notice the many subtle ways I often turn toward selfishness and then not embrace the love and agency of another. This book does not judge. It encourages. I value the wisdom and ways DvH invites me to notice my day to day interactions and choices.
Reflecting with DvH's philosophy, I am given hope and encouragement to confront challenges I never took notice of before. Also, empathy as to why others may be “stuck” in the things that they do. It helps me to reconcile things in my relationships and gives me clarity to what striving for living a life rooted in goodness looks like--especially to the good of others. My biggest takeaway is that moral evil is not only a struggle against external forces but an invitation to journey in becoming more grounded in love and grace. Basically, what it takes to be fully human.
Displaying 1 of 1 review