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

I bought this on Audible and it was so good that I bought a hard copy. It is excellent! The books gives excellent practical advice intertwined with the author's experiences from his life and and the wisdom of the Saints in a way that is not too heavy-handed. It is an easy read, concise and full of wisdom and practical applications as well as ideas for meditation that can help people to do a deep dive into their examine. It is one of those books I wish I had on hand early on in my spiritual journey and it is rich enough for me to appreciate many years into it as well. The Church needs more books like this.

I first listened to this book on the Formed app, but I'm the kind of person who likes to stop reading and think things over as I read. If I just listen, I find myself thinking through what I've just heard, while the recording goes on and I miss things. So I bought the book (twice) and I'm very glad I did. I found this book wonderfully engaging on a topic that many people probably think of as stuffy and old-fashioned. Dr Sri's book is written in such a clear, practical, useful way that I am using as the basis of discussion for a women's group that meets monthly. I've also recommended it to friends and have given a second copy to a priest. There are so many books in the 'self-help' section and so many 'influencers' out there trying to tell you that if you do this or that, follow this program or get that app, declutter, dead-lift, fast, meditate their way, you will form the habits of a good life. They are all reinventing the wheel, and stripping it down to a few spokes and scraps of rubber. None of them can improve on the classical, time-tested life of simple virtue. If you want to live life WELL, make decisions WELL, live relationships WELL, be the kind of person that other people admire, be a father or mother whose children respect you and want to imitate you, this book has what you need. If you want to raise your children to make good decisions, to be able to practice self-control and deferred gratification (which research shows leads to much happier, more successful adulthood), then the key is consciously practicing the four virtues in this book, talking about them to your children, and helping your children know which virtues they need to work on or put into action in different situations. If you are put off by the fact that the author is a Catholic and the virtues are Christian, you can also find the same virtues in classical Greek philosophy, so no worries if Christianity is a big, scary bogey-man to you: this is human wisdom, not religious dogma, and everyone can benefit from it.

This is a delightful book about the cardinal virtues and how they free a person from himself (or herself) and its constant drives to glorify itself -- instead of being able to appreciate the goodness of life -- because of these constant drives.

If you love Jesus and you would like to take an honest look at what you are doing right, what you could do better at and what you may be doing wrong, you will find this book extremely helpful. It’s one of the most beneficial books I’ve ever read and you will be better for it.

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!

I'm halfway through this book and really like it so far. We are reading with a study group, so the discussion questions at the end of each chapter are helpful. Dr. Sri does a great job of taking heavy topics and making them understandable. He uses good examples that keep the ready from being too heavy.

Wonderful

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!

A brilliant synthesis of St. Thomas Aquinas’ teaching applied to modern times. Dr. Edward Sri is a masterful pedagogue.

Everything was as expected. The only surprise was how captivating this book is. Couldn't put it down. Very affirming and life changing.