Hillsdale College

Good Judgment

Discern what is right in every circumstance.

StoriesLives of Virtue

Good judgment is the intellectual virtue that enables one to draw right conclusions about virtuous choice in particular circumstances. This habit readies the mind to make correct decisions in the moment of action. We should aim to develop confidence in judgment by relying on previous deliberation and experience.

To have good judgment is to have confidence in our ability to choose to do the right thing. The more we choose the right thing, the easier it becomes to do so every time, helping us to become more deliberate and prudent people.

Related Virtues

Prudence

Featured Stories

PinocchioCarlo Collodi
Grade 1-4

Story

"The King and His Hawk"From The Children's Book of VirtuesWilliam J. Bennett
Grade K-4

Story

Treasure IslandRobert Louis Stevenson
Grade 5-8

Story

Featured Biographies

Winston Churchill: Courage in the Face of DarknessJoyce Claiborne-West
Grade 2-6

Biography

Who Was Winston Churchill?Ellen Labrecque
Grade 2-6

Biography

All About Winston ChurchillCynthia Crane
Grade 4-6

Biography

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.
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.