The Virtuous Life

Dear Friends,

We’re so pleased that you joined us for the First Things Intellectual Retreat in the past and we’d like to invite you to join us again this year in New York City. The retreat will take place at New York University from August 9–10, and our focus will be The Virtuous Life.

What is the place of virtue in our public life? For hundreds of years, moral questions have occupied a prime place in our social and political discourse, but confusion about the premises and even the purpose of the moral life continues to proliferate. Through this intellectual retreat and the reading curriculum—drawn from a variety of philosophical and religious traditions—participants will have the opportunity to reflect upon the nature and function of virtue.

This event will be a special opportunity to meet First Things authors and like-minded individuals and, in community, to discuss a topic that affects us all.

The readings—mailed to attendees in advance—will be drawn from classic and contemporary texts by Josef Pieper, Prudentius, and Robert Wilken. Participants will read these texts prior to the retreat and discuss them in small-group seminars led by faculty from Northeast Catholic College, our retreat partner.

There are no academic prerequisites or expertise required to participate. If you enjoy reading First Things or discussing the kinds of ideas found in its pages, then this event is right for you.

You can view the retreat schedule, curriculum, and registration information here . Space is limited. I hope to see you in August.

Sincerely,