Good Thought

showcasing scholars

A monthly publication of virtues & vocations, Good Thought pieces showcase scholars from various disciplines reflecting on how issues of virtue and vocation intersect with their work in higher education.

April 2025
Erhardt Graeff

In this essay, Erhardt Graeff, Associate Professor of Social and Computer Science at Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering and a faculty associate at the Edmond J. Safra Center for Ethics at Harvard University, considers how to sustain hope and a desire to impact the common good among his engineering students. He begins, "My undergraduates at Olin College of Engineering want to make a positive impact. They see engineering as a career path to building a better world. Their initial theories of change are often naive. But I want them to hold onto the hope of positive impact through four years of equations, prototypes, and internships, and feel like they can live their values wherever their careers take them."

March 2025
James Arthur

In this essay, James Arthur, the former Director of the Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues, reflects on civic virtues and higher education. He writes, "The value of higher education should surely be seen in the lives of university students—not only in what they do or which professions they go into, but in what they contribute to society and who they become."

February 2025

When we talk about cultivating civil disagreement and courage of convictions on and off campus what are signs of hope? What are challenges to overcome?

January 2025
Jack Bell

In this reflection, Jack Bell draws on his experience as a farmer to discuss how modern forms of giving have decoupled generosity from its social context. Thinking at the nexus of nature and culture, Bell wonders if the virtue of generosity might offer a more sensible framework for thinking about our relationship with the world. Read more.

December 2024
Joshua Brake

At this time of year, we are reminded of light in darkness, hope, and the profound ways generosity can touch lives. Harvey Mudd engineering professor Joshua Brake offers some reflections on the impact of everyday generosity. Read more.

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