34 pages • 1 hour read
The Road to Character
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Book Brief
320
Book • Nonfiction
2015
2015
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In The Road to Character, David Brooks argues that society's focus on achievement and self-promotion overshadows the development of inner character, urging readers to cultivate "eulogy virtues" over "résumé virtues" by nurturing moral strengths and facing challenges with humility.
Contemplative
Inspirational
Challenging
Melancholic
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
31,113 ratings
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Review Roundup
David Brooks' The Road to Character offers a compelling exploration of moral development through historical and contemporary examples. Readers appreciate its insightful reflections on humility and virtue. However, some critique its nostalgic tone and perceived simplicity in addressing complex issues. Overall, it's a thought-provoking read on self-improvement and ethics in modern society.
Who Should Read The Road to Character?
The ideal reader for David Brooks' The Road to Character is someone interested in self-improvement, ethics, and moral philosophy. Comparable to those who enjoy Steven Covey's The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and Viktor Frankl's Man's Search for Meaning, they seek deep, reflective insights on character and personal development.
31,113 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Immanuel Kant
Immanuel Kant
A German philosopher from the Age of Enlightenment, known for his work on moral thought and the doctrine of Transcendental Idealism.
Frances Perkins
Frances Perkins
An American sociologist and advocate for workers’ rights, who served as US Secretary of Labor under Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Ida Stover Eisenhower
Ida Stover Eisenhower
The mother of future President Dwight Eisenhower, recognized for her religious devotion and role in shaping her son's temperament.
Dwight Eisenhower
Dwight Eisenhower
Renowned military leader and US President, remembered for leadership during WWII and values learned from his mother.
Dorothy Day
Dorothy Day
Founder of The Catholic Worker newspaper, a social activist dedicated to issues of social justice and her Catholic faith.
George Catlett Marshall
George Catlett Marshall
A military leader and US Secretary of State responsible for post-WWII European recovery, highly respected by international leaders.
A. Philip Randolph
A. Philip Randolph
An influential labor and civil rights leader who played a pivotal role in ending segregation in the US Armed Forces.
Bayard Rustin
Bayard Rustin
A dedicated activist known for his role in the civil rights movement and his work alongside A. Philip Randolph.
George Eliot
George Eliot
A renowned British writer, who wrote under a pseudonym to separate her fiction from her personal reputation, author of Middlemarch.
St. Augustine
St. Augustine
An early theologian and philosopher whose writings deeply influenced Western Christianity and philosophy.
Samuel Johnson
Samuel Johnson
An eminent English writer and critic known for his comprehensive Dictionary of the English Language.
Joe Namath
Joe Namath
An iconic NFL quarterback known for his career with the New York Jets and his outspoken public persona.
Johnny Unitas
Johnny Unitas
Acclaimed NFL quarterback with the Baltimore Colts, celebrated for his humble public image and football achievements.
320
Book • Nonfiction
2015
2015
Adult
18+ years
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