I was first introduced to virtue by Richard Vetterli, professor at Brigham Young University, as he was a guest lecturer in my American Heritage class.  I was so impressed with his talk, that I decided to audit his class, even though it had nothing to do with my decided major.  That class has profoundly shaped my life and views; I have never since under appreciated the importance of virtue to freedom.  Therefore my first recommended reading is: 1. In Search of the Republic, by Richard Vetterli and Gary Bryner. Other readings that I have found enriching pertinent to virtue: Essay on Liberty by John Stuart Mill 1776 by David McCullough Maxims of George Washington Psycho Cybernetics by Dr Maltz & Dan Kennedy 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Dr. Stephen Covey The Eighth Habit by Dr. Stephen Covey Shattered Dreams: God's Unexpected Pathway to Joy by Larry Crab I am presently doing some readings on Virtue by Professor Richard Hooker of the Washington State University Teachings of Socrates, Aristotle, and Plato The Declaration of Independence Integrity Selling by Ron Willingham Movies that I recommend (Most are based on true stories): 1776 DVD (Based on Broadway Musical) Benjamin Franklin (PBS DVD Video) Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (Though not based on a true story, I think it deals much with the concept of civic virtue) Newsies (Musical by Disney and based on true story)