Eastern College Australia is proud to announce that two of its academics – Dr Tom Edwards and Dr Cosimo Chiera – have published a significant book through Australian Academic Press.
Titled The Freedom of Virtue: Navigating Excellence in the Art of Living Amongst a World of Instant Gratification this book is written for the casual reader, as well as those working in the helping professions, and seeks to place virtue back at the centre of human flourishing. In reply to both Positive Psychology and the ‘self-esteem movement’, the authors contend that the need to be happy is not virtuous while also robbing people of the opportunities found in overcoming challenges. It is in harnessing the six foundational virtues of Courage, Diligence, Wisdom, Honour, Justice and Kindness that we find our best-lived life. Moreover, these same six foundational virtues lie at the heart of a stable family, community and society.
But don’t think that The Freedom of Virtue is a lament for the ‘good old days’. Using contemporary examples, and being forward-looking, this book will be a treasured resource for practitioners and parents alike, even providing questions and activities throughout the book to deepen readers’ thinking and spur action. The Freedom of Virtue is a classic ‘how to’ book designed to create excellence in the art of living.
PRAISE FOR THE FREEDOM OF VIRTUE
“This book is written with passion and warmth. I recommend it for parents, for teachers, and for all of us who recognise that our greatest task is to prepare the next generation to live well in the world we shall hand onto them.”
Rev. Professor Philip Hughes, Alphacrucis College and author of Educating for Purposeful Living
“In the current context of culturally defined models of wellbeing, this book’s brilliant explication of the scientific basis for the virtues is most welcome.”
Assoc. Professor James Phillips, Auckland University of Technology
“My daughter once declared at the tender age of 6 that she wanted to be a particular type of teacher —’a teacher of happiness!’ This book takes me back to that moment — happiness in its purest form. It inspires, ignites passion and challenges us to take control.”
Mr Joe D’Amico, General Manager, Chisholm Institute (Dandenong Campus)
You can purchase the The Freedom of Virtue from the Australian Academic Press webstore here.
