In "The Road to Character," David Brooks embarks on a profound exploration of what truly shapes a virtuous life. Through captivating stories of historical figures, he contrasts the allure of external success with the enduring pursuit of inner moral depth. Brooks invites readers to consider their own lives and the values that guide them amidst a culture obsessed with individualism. As he navigates the tension between personal ambition and community responsibility, he prompts a deep reflection on the qualities that define our character. Are you ready to embark on a journey that challenges your understanding of success and fulfillment?
By David Brooks
Published: 2015
"Character is formed in the small moments of our lives."
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • David Brooks challenges us to rebalance the scales between the focus on external success—“résumé virtues”—and our core principles. NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY THE ECONOMIST With the wisdom, humor, curiosity, and sharp insights that have brought millions of readers to his New York Times column and his previous bestsellers, David Brooks has consistently illuminated our daily lives in surprising and original ways. In The Social Animal, he explored the neuroscience of human connection and how we can flourish together. Now, in The Road to Character, he focuses on the deeper values that should inform our lives. Looking to some of the world’s greatest thinkers and inspiring leaders, Brooks explores how, through internal struggle and a sense of their own limitations, they have built a strong inner character. Labor activist Frances Perkins understood the need to suppress parts of herself so that she could be an instrument in a larger cause. Dwight Eisenhower organized his life not around impulsive self-expression but considered self-restraint. Dorothy Day, a devout Catholic convert and champion of the poor, learned as a young woman the vocabulary of simplicity and surrender. Civil rights pioneers A. Philip Randolph and Bayard Rustin learned reticence and the logic of self-discipline, the need to distrust oneself even while waging a noble crusade. Blending psychology, politics, spirituality, and confessional, The Road to Character provides an opportunity for us to rethink our priorities, and strive to build rich inner lives marked by humility and moral depth. “Joy,” David Brooks writes, “is a byproduct experienced by people who are aiming for something else. But it comes.” Praise for The Road to Character “A hyper-readable, lucid, often richly detailed human story.”—The New York Times Book Review “This profound and eloquent book is written with moral urgency and philosophical elegance.”—Andrew Solomon, author of Far from the Tree and The Noonday Demon “A powerful, haunting book that works its way beneath your skin.”—The Guardian “Original and eye-opening . . . Brooks is a normative version of Malcolm Gladwell, culling from a wide array of scientists and thinkers to weave an idea bigger than the sum of its parts.”—USA Today
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“Character is formed in the small moments of our lives.”
The Road to Character
By David Brooks
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
David Brooks is a prominent American author, journalist, and cultural commentator best known for his insightful analysis of social and political issues. A long-time op-ed columnist for The New York Times, he combines personal narrative with cultural critique to explore morality, politics, and human behavior. Brooks has written several influential books, including "The Road to Character" and "The Second Mountain," which delve into themes of purpose and virtue in contemporary society. He is also a frequent speaker and panelist, contributing to public discourse on topics ranging from individual ethics to societal challenges. Through his work, Brooks encourages readers to reflect on their values and pursue a deeper sense of fulfillment.
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