The Torch
A deep dive into classical education
Principle 6: Educational Virtues
Fifteen years ago, while teaching in Colorado and in the midst of finishing my master’s thesis, I developed an intense case of insomnia. Insomnia, or difficulty with sleep, is so common that it is estimated at least 1 in 4 adults suffer from the disorder in this country. When I went to see a caregiver about insomnia, they asked me a question that I had never heard before: “What is your sleep hygiene?”. Sleep hygiene is a term that describes habits that lead to good sleep health, such as going to bed at a consistent time every night, limiting caffeine after a certain time in the afternoon, and restricting any electronics in the bedroom to avoid emails, blue light, and scrolling.
What struck me right away about these habits was that they did not seem fun or easy. But, these habits became part of my life after quite a lot of practice, and if I deviate from my sleep hygiene, I suffer. I bring up sleep hygiene because the habits that work for me are similar to educational virtues: they are not a quick fix but once established, can lead to long term positive results.
Starting with a definition, as we do in classical education, the definition of educational virtues is the cultivation of right intellectual habits. I wrote about virtues in a previous edition of The Torch, and I would like to return to the pattern of definition and action as I connect our Nova Classical Academy virtues to educational habits.
Fortitude
Definition: Fortitude is having the courage to face challenges and obstacles; persevering what things get tough.
Action: Fortitude as an educational virtue would be a scholar’s commitment to studying flashcards on a frequent and consistent schedule, even if flashcards are something they do not enjoy.
Temperance
Definition: Temperance is mastering ourselves and our impulses for the sake of the happiness of those around us. It is about acting the right way at the right time.
Action: Temperance as an educational virtue would be while writing a sentence, the scholar knows that they should capitalize the first word of the sentence and finish with a punctuation mark, and they do so!
Justice
Definition: Justice is treating others with respect and taking responsibility for their well-being; fairness.
Action: Justice as an educational virtue would be abstaining from using the thoughts and work of others, whether copying another’s homework or test, or using artificial intelligence (AI) to write essays.
Prudence
Definition: Prudence is having sound judgment and making sound choices. It is being thoughtful.
Action: Prudence as an intellectual virtue would be making sure procrastination and avoidance do not become habits of homework completion and studying for exams.
Wisdom
Definition: Wisdom is the ability to learn a thing and see its usefulness. Wisdom is the most precise and perfect form of knowledge: the knowledge of things that are valued most highly as truthful, beautiful, or good.
Action: Wisdom as an intellectual virtue would be understanding that the body and mind are deeply connected, so in order for a learner to be successful with their mind, their body must be well rested and well nourished with healthful foods.
I would like to leave you with a little parable from the Japanese Zen tradition. The story goes that a young man came to the monastery to study and receive enlightenment. In the monastery, the student was given a lot of physical labor but very little teaching through lecture, and he quickly became frustrated and angry with his situation. He asked the head teacher, “What do I need to do to seek enlightenment? I have been trying to learn, but all I am doing is chopping wood and carrying water!”
The head teacher responded, “Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. If one does everything mindfully, it is all the same.” This parable is one illustration of the power of process, or educational virtue, in learning and living. The suggested educational virtues may not seem fun or easy, but done mindfully, lead to joy of lifelong learning.
May we sleep well and perhaps dream of an endless woodpile to chop,
Dr. Missy Johnson
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As a teacher and student of Latin and Greek, the classical model was a natural choice for me as an educator. I hold the teaching of grammar, logic, rhetoric, and virtues in high regard for learners of all ages and backgrounds. Nova Classical’s community model is inspiring, and I hope to bring thoughtfulness and openness to the Great Conversation.