Across my career in journalism, public service and higher education, I have seen how much collective life depends not only on intelligence or expertise, but on character. Civility, respect, honesty and humility are not decorative virtues; they are foundational. Free speech, strong institutions and social trust endure only when people can disagree well – with an open mind and a readiness to listen to others whose views may be different to our own.
In On Character, Professor Phil Cummins makes a compelling case that these qualities are formed, not assumed. They are shaped by habits, expectations and example – and they can be formed intentionally. This is a thoughtful and timely book, reminding us that who we are matters just as much as what we believe, particularly when events test us most.
Professor Mark Scott AO
Vice-Chancellor and President, The University of Sydney
This book wraps around a deceptively simple question: what is education for? At a time when schooling is increasingly framed through narrow metrics, milestones and performance indicators, Professor Phil Cummins asks us to slow down and look more carefully at what really matters to us. His answer is demanding and deeply humane: education exists to form people of character, capable of living lives that are worthwhile and well-lived.
Education is a field of choices; and each choice has consequences. On Character helps all of us to make those choices more deliberately and with greater clarity for the benefit of our young people and the societies in which we want to live.
What stands out most in this book is its refusal to trade in easy certainties. It does not offer a checklist of virtues or a program to be implemented. Instead, it presents character as something formed over time, and that this occurs within relationships and communities. In doing so, the message speaks directly to contemporary challenges in education, reminding us that learning without purpose is thin, and our future depends on our choices about who we want to be.
Professor Martin Westwell
Chief Executive, Department for Education, South Australia
Professor Phil Cummins has an extraordinary ability to distil complexity and inspire collaborative action. Through this compelling, reflective text, he sets the highest expectations for ‘game-changing’ effort, in the interests of young people.
An international opinion-shaper, Phil draws on knowledge built over decades of incisively analysed research (always the teacher of history) and thousands of hours in discussion, sitting alongside educators to spark ideas, simplify action and inspire commitment.
In On Character, Phil shares acute insights wrapped in metaphor and story. This is not a lecture or a reference text – it is an encouraging conversation, led by Phil; it is a value proposition, culminating in an invitation to accept the challenge to deliver intentional, purposeful character education.
Phil is a connector of keen minds; he understands that building and sustaining great schools and educational environments takes strong leadership and collective effort. His drive for reform at an international level promises to provide crucial professional support for our leaders of culture, and in turn, transformation of the lives of young people… ‘one heart at a time’.
Julie Gillick OAM
Former Head of Frensham Schools
