«In this timely book, Nathan King unpacks the world of intellectual virtues in a refreshingly accessible manner. Using clear examples, stories, and vignettes from his own life, King keeps the reader engaged through his clear and straightforward prose. One comes away with a better understanding of why developing intellectual character is not only an important but also an achievable aim of education.»

Ron Ritchhart, Harvard Graduate School of Education

«What are the qualities of a good thinker? What does it mean to have an excellent mind? Nathan King raises and elegantly answers these questions in this dazzling book. Employing fascinating examples from modern culture and the everyday world, King explores the powers of the human mind in this page-turner. It is at once an intellectual triumph, a how-to book, and an entertaining read. To everyone from high school students to old physicists like myself, I say: read this delightful and original book!»

Leonard Mlodinow, bestselling author of Subliminal: How Your Unconscious Mind Rules Your Behavior

«The Excellent Mind is a marvelous introduction to the topic of intellectual virtues. It lucidly explores twelve different intellectual virtues, including curiosity, open-mindedness, honesty, humility, and courage. King acquaints the reader with each virtue through real-life examples, ranging from Copernicus to Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Eminently readable and applicable, it is an excellent fit for introductory courses in Philosophy and relevant to several disciplines in the Humanities, Social Sciences, and Sciences.»

Heather Battaly, University of Connecticut

«This book is an outstanding introduction to intellectual virtues and their importance to learning and living well. It combines lively and accessible prose with a philosophically sophisticated and illuminating treatment of intellectual virtues. It is an ideal resource for students, teachers, and others interested in understanding the personal aspects of good thinking.»

Jason Baehr, Loyola Marymount University