Holistic Formation

My parents and teacher not only instructed me in the truths I had to believe but also in the virtues I needed to practice. With regard to my neighbor, they told me never to take or covet what belongs to others and that, if I ever found something, I should return it to its owner. It just so happened that one day after school, as I was walking along the street toward home, I saw a quarter lying on the ground. I picked it up and wondered to whom I should return it. Since I couldn’t see anyone on the street, I decided that it must have fallen from the window of the nearest house. So I went up to the house, asked for the head of the house, and gave him the quarter. (Aut 28)

I was trained so well in obedience and resignation that I was always content with whatever was done, decided, or given to me by way of food or clothing… my mother, who was always very fond of me, used to say, Anthony, would you like this? I would always answer; I always like what you like. But, she would say, there are always some things we like better than others. And then I’d say, Whatever you give me is what I like best of all… (Aut 29)