Books about Virtue

  1. Plato: Complete Works

    by Plato
    Collection of ancient Greek philosopher Plato's dialogues, discussing morality, knowledge and truth.

    Outstanding translations by leading contemporary scholars–many commissioned especially for this volume--are presented here in the first single edition to include the entire surviving corpus of works ... (Barnes & Noble)

  2. Meditations

    by Marcus Aurelius
    Reflections on Stoic philosophy, exploring the nature of existence and how to live life.

    Written in Greek by the only Roman emperor who was also a philosopher, without any intention of publication, the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius offer a remarkable series of challenging spiritual ... (Goodreads)

  3. The Republic

    by Plato
    A philosophical discourse on justice, examining morality, politics, and virtue.

    Presented in the form of a dialogue between Socrates and three different interlocutors, this classic text is an enquiry into the notion of a perfect community and the ideal individual within it. ... (Goodreads)

  4. The Nicomachean Ethics

    by Aristotle
    An exploration of virtue and morality, providing guidance on how to live a good life.

    ‘One swallow does not make a summer; neither does one day. Similarly neither can one day, or a brief space of time, make a man blessed and happy’ In the Nicomachean Ethics , Aristotle sets out to ... (Goodreads)

  5. City of God

    by Augustine of Hippo
    An exploration of the spiritual journey of faith and its ultimate purpose.

    No book except the Bible itself had a greater influence on the Middle Ages than Augustine's City of God . And since medieval Europe was the cradle of modern Western society, this work is vital for ... (Goodreads)

  6. Phaedo

    by Plato
    Philosophical dialogue on the nature of death, the immortality of the soul, and the afterlife.

    The Phaedo is acknowledged to be one of Plato's masterpieces, showing him both as a philosopher and as a dramatist at the height of his powers. For its moving account of the execution of Socrates, ... (Goodreads)

  7. Apology

    by Plato
    Socrates’ defense of his life & beliefs in the face of death.

    The Apology of Socrates is Plato's version of the speech given by Socrates as he unsuccessfully defended himself in 399BCE against the charges of "corrupting the young, and by not believing in the ... (Goodreads)

  8. Phaedrus

    by Plato
    A dialogue between Socrates and Phaedrus on the nature of love, beauty, and rhetoric.

    "A superb translation that captures the rhetorical brilliance of the Greek. . . . The translation is faithful in the very best sense: it reflects both the meaning and the beauty of the Greek text. . ... (Goodreads)

  9. The Symposium

    by Plato
    A philosophical dialogue among ancient Greeks about the nature of love.

    A fascinating discussion on sex, gender, and human instincts, as relevant today as ever. In the course of a lively drinking party, a group of Athenian intellectuals exchange views on eros, or desire. ... (Goodreads)

  10. Meno

    by Plato
    Socrates and Meno discuss the nature of virtue and whether it can be taught or is innate.

    Meno (/ˈmiːnoʊ/; Greek: Μένων, Menōn) is a Socratic dialogue by Plato. In it, Socrates tries to determine the definition of virtue, or rather arete , meaning virtue in general, rather than particular ... (Goodreads)

  11. Utilitarianism

    by John Stuart Mill
    Exploration of the moral theory of utilitarianism, evaluating the role of pleasure in decision-making.

    This expanded edition of John Stuart Mill's Utilitarianism includes the text of his 1868 speech to the British House of Commons defending the use of capital punishment in cases of aggravated murder. ... (Goodreads)

  12. Measure for Measure

    by William Shakespeare
    A dark comedy about justice, morality, and the search for truth.

    Measure for Measure is among the most passionately discussed of Shakespeare’s plays. In it, a duke temporarily removes himself from governing his city-state, deputizing a member of his ... (Goodreads)

  13. The Faerie Queene

    by Edmund Spenser
    A classic tale of heroism, courage, and love in a mythical kingdom.

    The Faerie Queene was the first epic in English and one of the most influential poems in the language for later poets from Milton to Tennyson. Dedicating his work to Elizabeth I, Spenser brilliantly ... (Goodreads)

  14. The Pursuit of Holiness

    by Jerry Bridges
    A guide to spiritual growth and maturity, focusing on living a holy life.

    This new edition replaces both, The Pursuit of Holiness, (ISBN 9781576839324) and the study guide (ISBN 9781576839881) by combining both resources into one volume! “Be holy, for I am holy,” commands ... (Barnes & Noble)

  15. Ramayana

    by Vālmīki
    Epic tale of Prince Rama's quest to rescue his wife from the demon king. Explores themes of duty, honor, love, and sacrifice.

    Ramayana is one of the greatest epics of Hindu Religion.The author captures the pathos and beauty of Valmiki's magic in inimatable manner.Written in homely style,the work is striking in originality ... (Goodreads)

  16. Letters from a Stoic

    by Seneca
    A collection of Stoic philosophies and advice on living a meaningful life.

    The power and wealth which Seneca the Younger (c.4 B.C. - A.D. 65) acquired as Nero's minister were in conflict with his Stoic beliefs. Nevertheless he was the outstanding figure of his age. The ... (Goodreads)

  17. Discourses and Selected Writings

    by Epictetus
    Epictetus' teachings on Stoicism, emphasizing the importance of self-control, rationality, and acceptance of fate.

    A new translation of the influential teachings of the great Stoic philosopher DESPITE BEING BORN into slavery, Greco-Roman philosopher Epictetus became one of the most influential thinkers of his ... (Goodreads)

  18. The Trial and Death of Socrates

    by Plato
    A philosophical dialogue into the life and death of the philosopher Socrates.

    Plato is among the most influential philosophers of all time. Along with his teacher Socrates and his pupil Aristotle, he can be said to have laid the foundations for Western philosophy, science and ... (Goodreads)

  19. Politics

    by Aristotle
    Analysis of the structure and nature of governments and the pursuit of justice.

    What is the relationship of the individual to the state? What is the ideal state, and how can it bring about the most desirable life for its citizens? What sort of education should it provide? What ... (Goodreads)

  20. Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals

    by Immanuel Kant
    Examination of the foundations of moral philosophy, focusing on the nature of moral obligation.

    Immanuel Kant's Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals ranks alongside Plato's Republic and Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics as one of the most profound and influential works in moral philosophy ever ... (Goodreads)

  21. The Death of Superman

    by Dan Jurgens
    Superman must battle an unstoppable enemy that threatens to destroy the world.

    The story that drew national media attention when DC Comics killed their greatest hero is collected here. When a hulking monster emerges from an underground resting place and begins a mindless ... (Goodreads)

  22. Humility: True Greatness

    by C.J. Mahaney
    Examining the power of humbleness, humility, and its importance in faith and life.

    Be Transformed by Christ’s Example “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” —1 Peter 5:5 A battle rages within every one of us every day. It’s the clash between our sense of stubborn ... (Goodreads)

  23. Benjamin Franklin: An American Life

    by Walter Isaacson
    Biography of the influential founding father, exploring his life and legacy.

    Benjamin Franklin is the Founding Father who winks at us. An ambitious urban entrepreneur who rose up the social ladder, from leather-aproned shopkeeper to dining with kings, he seems made of flesh ... (Goodreads)

  24. The Art of Living: The Classical Manual on Virtue, Happiness and Effectiveness

    by Epictetus
    A philosophy of life, emphasizing the cultivation of inner freedom, strength, and virtue.

    Epictetus was born into slavery about 55 C.E. in the eastern outreaches of the Roman Empire. Sold as a child and crippled from the beatings of his master, Epictetus was eventually freed, rising from ... (Goodreads)

  25. The Analects

    by Confucius
    A collection of moral and philosophical teachings, exploring the importance of relationships, ethics, and personal development.

    ‘The Master said, “If a man sets his heart on benevolence, he will be free from evil”’ The Analects are a collection of Confucius’s sayings brought together by his pupils shortly after his death in ... (Goodreads)

  26. The Consolation of Philosophy

    by Boethius
    A philosophical journey of self-reflection, exploring the true nature of happiness and existential purpose.

    Boethius was an eminent public figure under the Gothic emperor Theodoric, and an exceptional Greek scholar. When he became involved in a conspiracy and was imprisoned in Pavia, it was to the Greek ... (Goodreads)

  27. The Spirit of the Disciplines: Understanding How God Changes Lives

    by Dallas Willard
    A guide to spiritual growth and transformation through disciplined practices, rooted in Christian faith.

    How to Live as Jesus Lived Dallas Willard, one of today's most brilliant Christian thinkers and author of, The Divine Conspiracy, (,Christianity Today's, 1999 Book of the Year), presents a way of ... (Goodreads)

If you enjoyed this, try uploading your goodreads reviews and seeing what recommendations we can come up with for you.