Many of us are so busy that we might be tempted to think we don’t have time to be patient. However, that idea involves a serious underestimation of what patience is and why it matters. In On Patience, Matthew Pianalto revives a richer understanding of what patience is and why it is centrally important in both virtue theory and everyday life. Drawing from a wide range of philosophical and religious sources, Pianalto shows that our contemporary tendency to equate patience with waiting fails to do justice to other aspects of patience such as tolerance, perseverance, and the opposition of patience to anger. With this broader understanding of patience, Pianalto further shows how patience supports the development of other moral strengths, such as courage, justice, love, and hope. In these ways, On Patience sheds light on Franz Kafka’s remark that, “Patience is the master key to every situation,” and Gregory the Great’s perhaps surprising claim that, “Patience is the root and guardian of all the virtues.” This first book-length contemporary philosophical examination of patience will be of interest to students and scholars not just of virtue ethics, but also of moral philosophy more broadly.

Does it feel like you’re wasting time when you are learning how to do something? Do you get bored waiting in line to go somewhere? When it rains, do you think it will spoil your day? The Virtue of Patience provides fifteen illustrated mini stories that highlight the importance of patience and how we can put this virtue into practice.

Find Joy in a Busy World by Practicing Patience “This book is a true gift to the world. It's insightful and full of calm, helpful wisdom.” —Richard Carlson, author of Don't Sweat the Small Stuff Bestselling author M.J. Ryan details just what living with patience can bring to our lives and how it can change us for the better. Take a deeper look at an old-fashioned quality. We’ve all heard the phrase, “Patience is a virtue,” and doubtless responded with a sigh, as usually it’s spoken with a tone of reproach. But this virtue carries with it a wealth of wisdom that can actually help us find happiness in our day-to-day life. Slow the rush. Things move at a quick pace in our society, in both our work lives and social lives. Not only are we forced to keep up, but we have been conditioned to expect instant gratification. Because of this, we find ourselves getting flustered by the smallest setbacks or hold ups?whether it’s a slow server at a restaurant or rush-hour traffic. Ryan shares how patience is the very antidote to the stress of our fast-paced lifestyle. Reclaim your priorities. By reining in our aggravation when things don’t happen instantaneously, we give ourselves time to breathe and think more clearly. We make better use of our days and allow ourselves to make decisions based on how they align with our priorities, instead of focusing on how fast we can get tasks done. With M.J. Ryan’s help, we can learn to foster a patient outlook and find joy and fulfillment in the present moment. M.J. Ryan’s book is a fulfilling and beneficial self-care gift for women and men that provides: Straightforward, believable instructions for developing a habit of patience A source of stress-relief and guide to happier living Ways to find peaceful moments amidst the hustle and bustle that each day brings Readers of Present Over Perfect, When Less Becomes More, The Joy of Missing Out, or Stillness is Key will love M.J. Ryan’s The Power of Patience.

Lasting happiness through patience & humility. Learn how to develop these virtues without which heroism, self-denial, and martyrdom are worthless. Learn why Jesus said that to save your life, you must lose it, and see how happiness can be found in self-surrender.

The ugly duckling turned out to be a beautiful swan.

How and why did the early church grow in the first four hundred years despite disincentives, harassment, and occasional persecution? In this unique historical study, veteran scholar Alan Kreider delivers the fruit of a lifetime of study as he tells the amazing story of the spread of Christianity in the Roman Empire. Challenging traditional understandings, Kreider contends the church grew because the virtue of patience was of central importance in the life and witness of the early Christians. They wrote about patience, not evangelism, and reflected on prayer, catechesis, and worship, yet the church grew--not by specific strategies but by patient ferment.

Patience: A Gay Man's Virtue is a journey through life while riding a roller coaster of emotion. Through the laughter and the tears, this is the heartfelt and candid story of one man's triumph over hatred and bigotry. Inviting the reader to walk alongside the author through a world that is anything but fair, this book speaks to the trials, tribulations, and successes that come with growing up as a minority in a world that is not quite ready to accept all people as they are.