On Character
Forming Lives That Are Worthwhile and Well-Lived
Published on 4. March 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
126 pages
978-1-923403-44-4 (ISBN)
Description
What does it mean to live a life of good character? And how do we form such character in ourselves and those we teach?
Character is how we live our lives as individuals and in community. It's how we strive to belong, fulfil our potential and do what is good and right in the world. Drawing on decades of experience working with schools worldwide, Dr Phil Cummins explores the fundamental questions that matter most: What is good character and how is it formed? How should we educate people to build the character they need for worthwhile and well-lived lives? And how might we lead schools with the character required to thrive in our world?
A person of good character can be seen and recognised as one who pursues what is best, who seeks to know, love and do what is true and beautiful in the world. Written with clarity, wisdom and a distinctively Australian perspective on equity and excellence, this essential guide challenges educators, leaders and anyone committed to human flourishing to embrace the formation of character for lives of purpose, integrity and service to others.
More details
Person
Dr Phil Cummins is the Hooke Family Professor of Practice in Educational Leadership and Director of the Sydney Character Initiative in the Sydney School of Education and Social Work at the University of Sydney. An internationally recognised educator and researcher with more than three decades of experience, he is founder of CIRCLE Education, which leads the world's largest research program into character education, and co-host of the Game Changers podcast. Phil is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and the Australian Council for Educational Leaders, and an Honorary Senior Fellow of the University of Melbourne.