Who knew a conversation over a cup of coffee could percolate new ideas for a podcast? Stranger still, that the podcast would focus on fairy tales and short stories as sources for lessons in human nature, values, and virtues…

In this episode, we explore the importance of virtues in our lives and how cultivating them can lead to greater happiness and fulfillment. The discussion delves into the differences between virtues and values, and why the significance of virtues has diminished over time. We take a look back at the short stories and fairy tales we’ve discussed through the lens of virtuous (and not so virtuous) behavior. By revisiting short stories like The Gift of the Magi, Goldilocks, The Ugly Duckling, and others, we can recognize and discuss virtues such as compassion, courage, perseverance, and resilience, and their impact on personal growth and well-being.

Discussion Points:

• A chat with a friend at the Toasted and Roasted coffee shop
• Virtues vs. values
• Ruminations on “virtues”….
• Looking back at short stories in previous episodes for important virtues
• Check out earlier episodes of Thinking Curious to hear in-depth discussions of the short stories and fairy tales I mentioned in this episode
• Subscribe or Follow the podcast, and use the links below to access the Thinking Curious Project and The Thinking Curious Review for additional content

Resources:

Thinking Curious Project

Thinking Curious Review

Cognitive Development Coaching with Jessica

Toasted & Roasted

Quote from Virtues and Psychology

Book: Virtue and Psychology: Pursuing Excellence in Ordinary Practices

Description of Virtues and Psychology

Virtues For Life

The Book of Virtues 30th Anniversary Edition

Resilience from a Virtue Perspective

Perseverance

What are virtuous people like?