Title: The Road to Character
Author: David Brooks
First published March 10, 2015
320 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780812993257 (ISBN10: 081299325X)
Rating: 3.66
Overview
In a world where external success is often prioritized, David Brooks’ The Road to Character invites us to examine the deeper values that should guide our lives. With his signature blend of wisdom, humor, and insight, Brooks explores the lives of some of history’s greatest thinkers and leaders who built strong inner characters through self-discipline and a sense of their own limitations.
From labor activist Frances Perkins to civil rights pioneers A. Philip Randolph and Bayard Rustin, Brooks shows us how the vocabulary of simplicity and surrender can lead to a rich inner life marked by humility and moral depth.
The Road to Character is a thought-provoking read that challenges us to reconsider our priorities and strive for something greater than external success.
About the Author
Meet David Brooks, a respected political and cultural commentator known for his insightful columns in The New York Times and PBS NewsHour. With a diverse background in journalism, he has also contributed to Washington Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Weekly Standard, Newsweek, The Atlantic Monthly, and National Public Radio.
Editoral Review
David Brooks’ book The Road to Character is a thought-provoking exploration of the moral virtues that shape one’s character. Brooks, a New York Times columnist and bestselling author, delves into the idea that we have lost sight of what it means to be a good person, and that we have become too focused on self-promotion rather than self-examination.
The book is part self-help, part biography, and part cultural commentary. Brooks weaves together stories of individuals who have exemplified moral virtues such as humility, selflessness, and resilience, with philosophical and psychological insights on how to cultivate these traits.
He argues that character is not something innate, but something that can be developed through hard work and discipline.
Brooks begins by discussing the difference between “resume virtues” and “eulogy virtues.” Resume virtues are achievements that we list on our resumes, such as degrees or job titles, while eulogy virtues are the traits that people remember us for, such as kindness or courage. He then goes on to explore the lives of individuals who have exemplified eulogy virtues, such as Frances Perkins, George Marshall, and Dorothy Day.
The book is organized into chapters that focus on a particular virtue, such as humility, love, or self-control. Each chapter includes stories of individuals who have embodied that virtue, as well as insights on how to cultivate it in one’s own life.
Brooks draws on a wide range of sources, including literature, philosophy, and religious texts, to provide a deep and nuanced exploration of each virtue.
One of the strengths of the book is Brooks’ ability to weave together personal stories with broader cultural trends. He argues that we live in a society that values individual achievement over collective well-being, and that this has led to a decline in moral virtues such as humility and selflessness.
He also discusses how technology and social media have contributed to this trend, by encouraging us to focus on self-promotion rather than self-examination.
However, the book is not without its flaws. At times, Brooks’ analysis can feel overly simplistic, and he sometimes relies on anecdotes rather than data to support his arguments.
Additionally, some readers may find his focus on moral virtues to be overly moralistic or even preachy.
Overall, The Road to Character is a compelling and thought-provoking read. Brooks’ writing is clear and engaging, and his exploration of moral virtues is both insightful and inspiring.
While the book may not be for everyone, those who are interested in self-improvement or who are grappling with questions of meaning and purpose will find much to ponder in these pages.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. While the book is not perfect, its strengths outweigh its weaknesses, and it offers a valuable perspective on the importance of moral virtues in our lives.
