Hillsdale College

Deliberation

Inquire about the right means to virtuous ends.

StoriesPoemsLives of Virtue

Deliberation is the intellectual virtue that enables one to investigate the right means for virtuous action. We should aim to develop carefulness in deliberation by devoting serious attention and study to it out of an appreciation for the importance of making correct moral choices. However, such carefulness must not inhibit timely action by causing undue hesitation.

The virtue of deliberation is our ability to pause before making a decision and ask ourselves, "What is the right thing to do in this situation?". The more we practice deliberation, the better we will become at deciding between right and wrong choices, which helps us attain good judgment to become more prudent.

Related Virtues

Prudence

Featured Stories

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Treasure IslandRobert Louis Stevenson
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Featured Biographies

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Who Was Winston Churchill?Ellen Labrecque
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Winston Churchill: Courage in the Face of DarknessJoyce Claiborne-West
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Poems about Deliberation

All are architects of Fate, Working in these walls of Time...

The Builders
By Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
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Lives of Virtue

Abraham Lincoln
Abraham LincolnAbraham Lincoln exemplified virtue through his steadfast commitment to justice and the preservation of the Union, guiding the nation with moral clarity and courage during its darkest hours.
George Washington
George WashingtonThanks to his integrity, humility, courage, and wisdom, George Washington has long been known as one of the greatest leaders in American history.
Abigail AdamsRegarded as a "Founding Mother," Abigail Adams shared her husband John Adam's passion for liberty and American independence. She played a pivotal role in shaping the nation's early political and social landscape through her insightful correspondence with John Adams, advocating for women's rights, education, and the abolition of slavery.
Winston Churchill
Winston ChurchillWinston Churchill was an exemplary leader and man of virtue, steadfastly leading Britain through the darkest days of World War II with unwavering resolve and inspiring optimism.