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The Celts, the old Norse and Germanic people, the Greeks of the time of Homer and Hesiod, and other ancient heroic societies are popularly believed to be tribal warrior cultures, where the light of civilisation had not yet dawned. In fact this is far from the case. Many of our own most fundamental ideas about politics, justice, friendship, true love, the good life, and especially the notion of Virtue itself, come from their world. To them, Virtue had nothing to do with purity, nor modesty, nor God-given laws, nor sin and guilt, nor with any Sunday-school pretentiousness. Rather, it originally meant 'excellence' and 'greatness of soul'. It was tied to more assertive qualities like strength and courage, and to social qualities like friendship. It was also connected to spiritual principles like the nature of the soul, the hope for immortality, and even the pursuit of happiness itself. Using ancient heroic epics and sagas like Beowulf, the Illiad and Odyssey, the Eddas, the Tain Bo Cuailnge, and literature inspired by them including the works of Shakespeare, Tolkien, and J.K. Rowling, this book explains the world-view that gave birth to our virtues. In that world-view, life involves inevitable confrontations with inexplicable events like fortune, nature, other people, and death itself. However, the good life itself becomes possible when we face them and respond to them. Finally, the book calls for a revival of heroic and classical Virtue in our time. Brendan Cathbad Myers, Ph.D., has worked as a musician, an environmentalist, a labour union leader, a university lecturer and as a simple country gardener ..explores territory that is vitally important to understand at this critical time in our history...let the book deepen your soul and broaden your understanding. Philip Carr-Gomm, author of Sacred Places, Chief of the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids
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I found the book meaty; you can only digest small portions at a time, and so the book is neatly sectioned into five movements which are again broken down into small snacks, giving plentiful food for introspective thought ~ Anne Mills, Magic of Being
The Other Side of Virtue constructs a coherent and interesting argument for a system of virtue ethics based on such varied sources as Celtic Mythology, Greek philosophy, Nietzsche and modern fantasy novels such as Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings. .....as well as being philosophically interesting, the book is also an interesting study into modern neopagan ethics. It manages to put many aspects of Brendan Myers’ personal spiritual experience and system of morality into a historical and philosophical context that is insightful, rational, thought provoking and above all very positive. ~ Joseph Norwood, De Numine
With revealing insights and analyses, this book is much more than a cultural or moral history - it is about us as human beings and shows how our ethics have evolved. It not only encourages a sense of self-worth, but affirms the responsibility of each of us to ourselves and one another. Far better than most contemporary efforts this one touches some real depth and may be useful to those struggling with many ethical dilemmas posed by our contradiction-riddled society. ~ Odyssey
The book itself is an odyssey of reflection and holds up a mirror to the self and to our age. It reminds us of the roots and value of many of our prized virtues, inviting us to reconnect with them.
~ Network ReviewUndeniably an important book. An extremely singnificant contributionto Pagan thought, and a vital resource in exploring the meaning and relevance of a Pagan ethics for our contremporary times.
~ Five BroomsticksThis is one of the most important books you can read. 'The Other Side of Virtue' explores territory that is vitally important to understand at this critical time in our history. Reading it will deepen your soul. It might seem strange to recommend cheating when discussing a book on virtues and ethics, but let me say this: this is one of the most important books you can read, but if you doubt this, turn to the very last two pages of the book and read the final passage marked 'The Messenger'. Better still, start at the beginning and let the book deepen your soul and broaden your understanding. ~ Philip Carr-Gomm, Author of \"Sacred Places\", Chief of the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids
The Other Side of Virtue is a bold reviving of the deepest ethics of past heroic societies, of spirited people living in a world of ultimate immensities, crafting lives of intrinsic value and meaning. This is a book full of fascinating insights and well worth the interest of readers concerned with the ethical dilemmas of the modern world. It is filled with arresting insights, unexpected turns of analysis, and the kind of rich analytic context that will more than repay the efforts made by its readers. It has given me much to think about, and much to re-think. ~ Gus DiZerega, Professor of Political Science, St. Lawrence University; author of Pagans and Christians, and Of Fish and Men
Another beautiful, intelligent and accessible text from Myers, this book is informative, thoughtful and thought-provoking, not just exploring ancient notions of virtue, but finding their place with sharp validity in today's world. It leaves the reader feeling exquisitely drenched in European heritage and its traditions, from Aristotle to Harry Potter, and with a poignant sense of the very real personal responsibility. An important text and well worth reading. ~ Emma Restall Orr, Head of The Druid Network, author of 'Living with Honour: A Pagan Ethics' and 'Living Druidry'.
