The Heart

The Heart contains one of Hildebrand’s most important contributions to the perennial tradition. Hildebrand believes that “the affective sphere, and the heart at its center, have been more or less under a cloud throughout the entire course of the history of philosophy.” In this important work, Hildebrand reveals the importance of affectivity in understanding the world objectively, and shows how the heart is the most important center of human activity.

In order to understand the nature of the heart, we must realize that in many respects it is more the real self of the person than his intellect or will.
Dietrich von Hildebrand

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Hildebrand on the Heart

Hildebrand Project Associated Scholars Maria Wolter and Mark K. Spencer examine the philosophy of Dietrich von Hildebrand and Max Scheler on affectivity and human life.

This panel was recorded at the 2020 Summer Seminar, “The Heart.”

Reviews & Commentary

From scholars, students, and readers

The book remains a timely contribution to philosophy and Christian spirituality and, as the first fruit of the Hildebrand Project, can only be applauded.

Michael Dodds, OP

The Review of Metaphysics

Many spiritual directors are of the opinion that much of the present unrest within the Church is due to an affective deficiency created by an over-emphasis on the role of intellect and will. This book can certainly help counselors rectify the alleged imbalance among human faculties by restoring the heart to its proper place—at the center of human life.

Dominic Maruca, SJ

Theological Studies

Hildebrand’s analysis has brought front and center a notion central to the Biblical tradition but that has remained on the periphery for most of the history of Western philosophy. It played a significant role in Hegel’s thought that furnished its systematic location in human life: it is the center of individual subjectivity. Without it even the highest development of Reason remains inauthentic. Heart without intellect or intellect without heart: each is equally one-sided. One might even say that intellectual and volitional development are for the sake of the deepening and purification of the heart. Von Hildebrand’s book makes that argument.

Robert E. Wood

American Catholic Philosophical Quarterly