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The Virtues
An ancient question asks what role moral formation ought to play in education. It leads to such questions as, do intellectual and moral formation belong together? Is it possible to form the mind and neglect the heart? Is it wise? These perennial questions take on new significance today, when education ― especially, higher education ― has become a defining feature in the lives of young people.
Throughout his more than 40 years in academia, John Garvey has reflected on the relationship between intellectual and moral formation, especially in Catholic higher education. For 12 years as the President of The Catholic University of America, he made the cultivation of moral virtue a central theme on campus, highlighting its significance across all aspects of University culture, from University policy to campus architecture.
During his two decades of presiding at commencement exercises, first as Dean of Boston College Law School and then as President of The Catholic University of America, Garvey made a single virtue the centerpiece of his remarks each year. The Virtues is the fruit of those addresses. More reflective than analytical, its purpose is to invite conversation about what it means to live well.
Following Catholic tradition, The Virtues places the theological virtues of faith, hope, and love at the center of the moral life, and the cardinal virtues ― justice, temperance, fortitude, and prudence ― with them. Alongside these major virtues, Garvey considers a collection of "little virtues," habits that assist and accompany us in small but important ways on the path to goodness.
Though he treats each virtue individually, a common thread unites his reflections. "The intellectual life depends on the moral life," Garvey writes. "Without virtue we cannot sustain the practices necessary for advanced learning. In fact, without virtue, it's hard to see what the purpose of the university is. Learning begins with love (for the truth). If we don't have that, it's hard to know why we would bother with education at all." The Virtues invites its readers, especially students, to appreciate that the cultivation of virtue is indispensable to success, academic or otherwise, and more importantly, essential to their ultimate aim, a life well lived.
Throughout his more than 40 years in academia, John Garvey has reflected on the relationship between intellectual and moral formation, especially in Catholic higher education. For 12 years as the President of The Catholic University of America, he made the cultivation of moral virtue a central theme on campus, highlighting its significance across all aspects of University culture, from University policy to campus architecture.
During his two decades of presiding at commencement exercises, first as Dean of Boston College Law School and then as President of The Catholic University of America, Garvey made a single virtue the centerpiece of his remarks each year. The Virtues is the fruit of those addresses. More reflective than analytical, its purpose is to invite conversation about what it means to live well.
Following Catholic tradition, The Virtues places the theological virtues of faith, hope, and love at the center of the moral life, and the cardinal virtues ― justice, temperance, fortitude, and prudence ― with them. Alongside these major virtues, Garvey considers a collection of "little virtues," habits that assist and accompany us in small but important ways on the path to goodness.
Though he treats each virtue individually, a common thread unites his reflections. "The intellectual life depends on the moral life," Garvey writes. "Without virtue we cannot sustain the practices necessary for advanced learning. In fact, without virtue, it's hard to see what the purpose of the university is. Learning begins with love (for the truth). If we don't have that, it's hard to know why we would bother with education at all." The Virtues invites its readers, especially students, to appreciate that the cultivation of virtue is indispensable to success, academic or otherwise, and more importantly, essential to their ultimate aim, a life well lived.
- GenresCatholic
200 pages, Hardcover
Published July 1, 2022
About the author
John Garvey
39 books5 followersJohn Garvey is a priest of the Orthodox Church in America and a columnist for Commonweal.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
July 19, 2023
A series of commencement addresses turned into a short volume for college graduates. A light read and from a Catholic perspective. Virtues are certainly something our culture would do well to focus more on and the book does a nice job of laying out the landscape and implications of virtues and encouraging graduates to pursue them. Nothing struck me as particularly insightful but a gentle reminder of what matters and brings meaning to life.
June 11, 2026
This book is a thoughtful and inspiring exploration of the qualities that shape a meaningful life. Rather than approaching virtue as an abstract philosophical concept, Garvey presents it as something practical and essential for everyday living, especially within the context of education and personal growth.
What I appreciated most was the book's emphasis on the connection between intellectual achievement and moral character. Garvey argues that knowledge alone is not enough; wisdom, integrity, courage, and love are equally important in helping us live well and contribute positively to society. His reflections are clear, engaging, and grounded in real life experiences, making the book accessible even to readers without a background in philosophy or theology.
The chapters on both the cardinal and theological virtues offer valuable insights, while the discussion of the "little virtues" serves as a reminder that character is often built through small, daily habits. Although the book is rooted in the Catholic tradition, many of its lessons are universal and relevant to anyone interested in personal development.
Overall, *The Virtues* is a reflective and encouraging read that invites readers to think more deeply about the kind of people they want to become. It is a book that educates not only the mind but also the heart.
What I appreciated most was the book's emphasis on the connection between intellectual achievement and moral character. Garvey argues that knowledge alone is not enough; wisdom, integrity, courage, and love are equally important in helping us live well and contribute positively to society. His reflections are clear, engaging, and grounded in real life experiences, making the book accessible even to readers without a background in philosophy or theology.
The chapters on both the cardinal and theological virtues offer valuable insights, while the discussion of the "little virtues" serves as a reminder that character is often built through small, daily habits. Although the book is rooted in the Catholic tradition, many of its lessons are universal and relevant to anyone interested in personal development.
Overall, *The Virtues* is a reflective and encouraging read that invites readers to think more deeply about the kind of people they want to become. It is a book that educates not only the mind but also the heart.
June 10, 2026
John Garvey's *The Virtues* offers a thoughtful examination of the relationship between education and character formation. Rather than focusing solely on academic achievement, Garvey challenges readers to consider whether education should also cultivate moral virtues such as wisdom, courage, temperance, and justice.
What I found most compelling was the argument that virtues are not simply concepts to be learned but habits developed through practice and intentional living. In a world increasingly focused on information, productivity, and measurable outcomes, the book serves as a timely reminder that character remains essential to both personal and societal flourishing.
While some sections are more reflective and philosophical than practical, the questions Garvey raises are relevant to students, educators, parents, and anyone interested in personal growth. Whether or not readers agree with all of his conclusions, *The Virtues* succeeds in prompting meaningful reflection about what it means to live well and become a better person.
A thought provoking read that encourages readers to look beyond knowledge acquisition and consider the deeper purpose of education and human development.
What I found most compelling was the argument that virtues are not simply concepts to be learned but habits developed through practice and intentional living. In a world increasingly focused on information, productivity, and measurable outcomes, the book serves as a timely reminder that character remains essential to both personal and societal flourishing.
While some sections are more reflective and philosophical than practical, the questions Garvey raises are relevant to students, educators, parents, and anyone interested in personal growth. Whether or not readers agree with all of his conclusions, *The Virtues* succeeds in prompting meaningful reflection about what it means to live well and become a better person.
A thought provoking read that encourages readers to look beyond knowledge acquisition and consider the deeper purpose of education and human development.
June 10, 2026
A Beautiful Reminder of What Education is Truly For
In The Virtues, John Garvey delivers a refreshing and deeply thoughtful exploration of a timeless question: can we truly educate the mind while neglecting the heart? Drawing from decades of leadership in Catholic higher education, Garvey compiles his commencement addresses into a seamless, reflective guide on the cardinal, theological, and "little" virtues. His central argument, that the intellectual life cannot exist without the moral life, is a necessary wake-up call for modern academia. It’s an inspiring, highly readable book that will resonate with students, educators, and anyone striving to live a purposeful life.
In The Virtues, John Garvey delivers a refreshing and deeply thoughtful exploration of a timeless question: can we truly educate the mind while neglecting the heart? Drawing from decades of leadership in Catholic higher education, Garvey compiles his commencement addresses into a seamless, reflective guide on the cardinal, theological, and "little" virtues. His central argument, that the intellectual life cannot exist without the moral life, is a necessary wake-up call for modern academia. It’s an inspiring, highly readable book that will resonate with students, educators, and anyone striving to live a purposeful life.
July 8, 2024
Much solid advice about cultivating the virtues."The virtues are habits that channel our freedom in the direction we ought to go. They are principles of action that move us to do good things. 'Only virtuous people are capable of freedom,' Ben Franklin says" (15). Great book for a high school or college graduation gift.
July 11, 2024
My women's group is going through the virtues in our monthly meetings and I'll definitely recommend this book to any members who would be interested. As a young person, I focused more on the first few "extra" virtues, but it was also a great way to view aging in a different manner and made it less scary.
November 20, 2024
Great little book about virtues. I love the modern day references and his ability to teach in an accessible manner.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews