A brilliantly clear, optimistic book which shows how the great humane virtues can help in times of hardship and lead to a joyful, trusting, enriched life. When beset by a series of life-changing personal crises, psychotherapist Stephanie Dowrick remembered what she had learned early in her training: there are qualities-the great ancient virtues-that shape life for the better and can be called upon in times of need. Dowrick grounds her work in real lives and incidents, drawing on those times when people needed the strength provided by one of the virtues to move on with their lives. She ranges...

Focusing on strengths and opportunities rather than problems, this text tells readers what they need to know in order to enjoy life, to feel in charge of it, to get on with others and to make the most of their opportunities.