The Art of Living: The Cardinal Virtues and the Freedom to Love

I have been looking for a good book on the cardinal virtues for a couple of years -- something practical and geared toward ordinary people, not philosophers. When I saw that this new book was available for pre-order, I signed up immediately, even though I had to wait a couple of months for the book to actually be published.It is everything I had hoped for, a book that can guide anyone (particularly, but not necessarily, Christians) in cultivating the basic virtues that can help you live wisely and well. Edward Sri has been teaching these things to college students for decades, and that experience has helped him write a book that is practical rather than theoretical, accessible to almost anyone. One thing that he adds to the discussion is an emphasis on how learning to live virtuously is of benefit not only to oneself but also to those we deal with -- friends, associates, loved ones, and others. Virtue strengthens relationships and makes common life more equitable. Thanks for writing this, Dr. Sri!

A book so needed for today if your interested in living the Christian life with joy and fullness. Edward Sri is so good at sharing the faith so beautifully.

This book was very enlightening to how one could look at our self. The author gives examples in his life of short comings and why it is important to honor the way God might look at situations in life. Virtues explained in a piratical and easy to understand way. Dr. Sri is a great speaker and writer and is good about creating an atmosphere in which one can realize that they may not be perfect.

Dr. Sri is easy to read and comfortable to understand and apply to ones life. I really recommend this book.

Nicely written book on the virtues.

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Often, the topic of the moral virtues is presented in too academic of a fashion. You feel you need to sit in a classroom, with a Dominican standing next to you, with perfect silence to drill the topic in your head. I read this book, at times, sitting in a drive through on my lunch break. And felt I absorbed it. This book is indeed scholarly, but very approachable. Sri situates these virtues in the everyday relational aspect of their existence, drawing on St. Thomas Aquinas as his main guide. Reflection questions are at the end of each chapter so one can turn this book into a spontaneous retreat should spontaneity find a place in your life to be allowed.Further, the book is wonderfully edited. Each chapter can be read in roughly a 10 minute sitting, thus, in justice, allowing you to balance your commitments to God and neighbor.

Dr. Sri has a favorite podcast of mine. He spoke of cardinal virtues and how we have not been taught the “art of living” in this day and age. It’s so true! I wish I had this book when I became an adult, and into my 20’s. I’m now 34 and I have three children. I’m thankful to have this wisdom written for me to refer to when I feel lost in parenting and life. Edward explains the cardinal virtues, how they apply to our modern daily lives, and how to AVOID the pitfalls that so many of us fall victim to when we fall short of God’s grace. Thank you Dr. Sri!