The Book of Virtues: A Treasury of Great Moral Stories

The Book of Virtues: A Treasury of Great Moral Stories | In praise of virtue

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The Book of Virtue...

	The Book of Virtues: A Treasury of Great Moral Stories Simon & Schuster, 1993 - 831 pages average customer review:based on 50 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Absolutely astonishing...

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This is an absolutely fine collection of morality-based tales, belonging on the bookshelf of anyone not in the final stages of relativistic and moral decay. The stories are uplifting and instructive, often at the same time.

[...] Mr. Bennett [...] believes that every individual is deserving of an education, and a chance to put to use their God-given talents in a way that is productive to both them, and to society
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In praise of virtue

A book on virtue is quite important in an age that has little time for it. Indeed, both public and private, is becoming a rarity today. Indeed, vice, not virtue, seems to be in the ascendancy. Old fashioned virtues like faithfulness, loyalty and purity are scoffed at today, while vices like selfishness and greed seem to be promoted at every turn.

One commentator noted recently that we have taken Aquinas' seven deadly sins and turned them into virtues. You know the old list: sloth, gluttony, envy, etc. For example, modern advertising has institutionalised the sin of covetousness.

As T.S. Elliot once said, "In the twentieth century we are obsessed with turning roses into weeds."

Thus it is extremely refreshing to find a book that actually, unashamedly, promotes virtue. Bill Bennett has brought together a host of stories, poems, and adages that promote virtue. Many of the stories that over-40s would have grown up on, but which many young people today would never have heard of, are brought together in this unique collection.

Ten virtues are covered: self-discipline; compassion; responsibility; friendship; work; courage; perseverance; honesty; loyalty; and faith. For each virtue there are a number of stories, poems and essays included, bringing home the moral of that particular virtue. For example, in the section on courage, one finds such classics as Jack and the Beanstock, David and Goliath, Chicken Little, Hansel and Gretel, Ulysses and the Cyclops, William Tell, and Patrick Henry's "Liberty or Death" speech.

This book serves not only as a guide to the great works of moral education, but to the great works of literature as well. The range of great authors and sources is most impressive: Shakespeare, Mark Twain, Plato, the Brothers Grimm, The Bible, Hilaire Belloc, Robert Frost, C.S. Lewis, Longfellow, Abraham Lincoln, etc.

In reading these great stories, we both improve our cultural literacy and refine our moral senses. Indeed, being exposed to great literature, to great writers, and to great moral truths is a powerful combination. Young people and old will be inspired and motivated to live a more virtuous life after reading (or re-reading) these great moral stories. In an age which promotes vice and mocks virtue, this anthology serves as a much needed corrective.

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An inspiring masterpiece...

I've had this book for over 5 years and wanted to let people know that it's still the one and only book that I turn to when I need a source of pure inspiration. I have read stories to many of my guests and both parents and children have found this book enjoyable.

The book contains hundreds of short stories that send moral messages associated with the virtues of Self-discipline, Compassion, Responsibility, Friendship, Work, Courage, Perseverance, Honesty, Loyalty, and Faith. You'll find a mix of fairy tales, Aesop's fables, Biblical stories, Aristotle, Plato. One of my very favorites is "Yudisthira at Heaven's Gate" - a story from the Mahabharata.

I was hospitalized 4 times this year due to a recurring health issue (I'm 39 yrs old) and this book didn't fail me as each time I went in, I had the pleasure of reading stories each night that filled my heart and mind with good moral reminders. I purchased it today for my cousin who is a 6th grade teacher and became attached to the book when he visited us one weekend. I plan to continue purchasing this book when I need to get a "family" gift as it truly is something that the whole family will enjoy. I have also ordered the "Children's Book of Virtues" and the "Book of Virtues for Young People" so that I can read with my teenager and toddler. Although I haven't read either book, I am delighted with anticipation.

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High Praise for the Book of Virtues

This is a must read for every person and a must have for every library. B of V is a book filled with moral lessons that remind us of principles we were taught while growing up. Children and adults can glean from it's wisdom.

Isn't Humility a Virtue?

The approach is good: Using children's stories to convey moral lessons. This phenomenon exists in many cultures. I believe the best way to understand someone's cultural background is to learn their childhood stories.

But where is the chapter on Humility? Is humility not a Western virtue? And perhaps a little more humility would save both the premise and the book from the unpalatable arrogance that makes this otherwise nutritious read difficult to swallow.

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