How presumptuous it is to try to treat of such a subject…when great books (like Dietrich von Hildebrand’s In Defense of Purity) have been written on the subject.

This book is possibly the best introduction to Hildebrand’s philosophy I have encountered, but it has great content for those already familiar with his works as well. It is well suited both to a scholarly audience and to general readers. Hildebrand tackles many common errors in the sphere of sexual thought, while building up a rich description of the virtue of purity.

In Defense of Purity is one of Dietrich von Hildebrand’s smaller works, yet for this very reason it became a jewel in the hands of this master of thought and word.

I have never read a book on this topic that is so applicable to a modern reader’s viewpoint.

This little book on the nature and importance of purity is packed with insights and shows Hildebrand’s genius in phenomenological analysis of Catholic moral thought.”

The book is a meditation on the depth and mystery of sex. In contrast to his contemporaries, who emphasized the dangers of impurity and sin, von Hildebrand’s account is grounded in the beauties of purity and virtue.

Dietrich von Hildebrand’s reverence toward the world and his rich moral seriousness are, as always, inspiring and eye-opening – he makes you feel (and in some measure perceive) that human sexuality is beautiful, valuable, deep, demanding, and joyous.