Hillsdale College

Good Judgment

Discern what is right in every circumstance.

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.

For Grades K-2:

The virtue of good judgment gives us the ability to make right and wise decisions in the moment, drawing on what we have learned and experienced. 

For Grades 3-6:

The virtue of good judgment gives us the ability to draw right conclusions about virtuous choice in particular circumstances, readying the mind to decide correctly in the very moment of action. 


Featured Stories

Pinocchio
Carlo Collodi
Grade 1-4

Story

Five Children and It
E. Nesbit
Grade 3-5

Story

Billy and Blaze
C. W. Anderson
Grade K-3

Story

Twenty and Ten
Clare Huchet Bishop
Grade 5-7

Story

The Story About Ping
Marjorie Flack
Grade K-2

Story

Little Toot
Hardie Gramatky
Grade K-2

Story


Featured Biographies

Thomas Jefferson: A Picture Book Biography
James Cross Giblin
Grade 2-5

Biography

Heroes of the Revolution
David A. Adler
Grade 1-4

Biography

George Washington: A Picture Book Biography
James Cross Giblin
Grade 1-4

Biography

Washington at Valley Forge
Russell Freedman
Grade 4-7

Biography

Thomas Jefferson
Cheryl Harness
Grade 4-7

Biography

Lives of Virtue

Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln
Abraham 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 Washington
Thanks to his integrity, humility, courage, and wisdom, George Washington has long been known as one of the greatest leaders in American history.
John Chapman (Johnny Appleseed)
John Chapman earned his moniker "Johnny Appleseed" because of his dedication to planting apple trees and selling seeds and saplings to pioneers. An eccentric and nomadic figure, Johnny stood apart from the usual frontiersman. However, he became an American hero through his generosity and kindness, which was remembered by all who knew him.
Louis Braille
After losing his sight as a toddler, Louis Braille longed for what others could do, especially reading. He did not let his disability hold him back. Instead, he persevered to find a sollution and invented a tactile writing system that has allowed the visually imparied to read and gain knowledge for two centuries.