Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.38 AVERAGE
3.38 AVERAGE
I'm confident that there are more inspiring examples of character than those highlighted in this book and I kind of wish I had taken the author up on his offer to skip from the introduction to the final chapter. But, I did have some interesting thoughts as I worked my way through the book. Some of them were inspired by parts of the book, but they are definitely my thoughts, not quotes.
1) Happiness is not the ultimate pursuit of life. It is purpose.
2) If success leads to pride, it's not worth it.
3) I should use my talents for the good of the collective; not because I want recognition or praise, but because I honestly care about my community more than I do about myself.
4) If my moral code is dictated by societal trends, then I am totally lost.
1) Happiness is not the ultimate pursuit of life. It is purpose.
2) If success leads to pride, it's not worth it.
3) I should use my talents for the good of the collective; not because I want recognition or praise, but because I honestly care about my community more than I do about myself.
4) If my moral code is dictated by societal trends, then I am totally lost.
Pretty boring, felt like it took forever to read and wish it focused more on the modern world rather than old historical figures. Not very interesting.
Avoiding the bitterness and nostalgia that could accompany a project like this, Brooks makes a sensible case for living a life that develops both our résumé virtues and our eulogy virtues.
I couldn't finish this one. I had to force my way through the stories and there wasn't enough about why these people embodied character. Brooks puts the stories out there and leaves us to draw our own conclusions.
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
The Road to Character by David Brooks is a free NetGalley ebook that I began reading shortly after April Fools Day. I immediately nabbed at the chance to read this book, since The Social Animal turned out to be one of my most favorite non-fiction social science books ever.
From the get-go, Brooks seeks to examine the influx of society becoming self-centered after decades of social pressure telling us to be humble and live in service of others. Its short biographies are succinct and descript in their hard-bitten efforts and self-discipline. They are then followed by a somewhat lengthy analysis by Brooks, which may or may not include a soundalike mini-biography of someone similar to the previously presented biography. Of the ones in the book, I most enjoyed George Eliot, St. Augustine, and the tad little bit about Joe Namath.
From the get-go, Brooks seeks to examine the influx of society becoming self-centered after decades of social pressure telling us to be humble and live in service of others. Its short biographies are succinct and descript in their hard-bitten efforts and self-discipline. They are then followed by a somewhat lengthy analysis by Brooks, which may or may not include a soundalike mini-biography of someone similar to the previously presented biography. Of the ones in the book, I most enjoyed George Eliot, St. Augustine, and the tad little bit about Joe Namath.
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
This book was insightful. By using historical accounts of well-known and some less-than-famous individuals, Brooks melds a thorough guide of traits one should aspire to, to become a thoughtful, hard-working, passionate, curious and considerate person. Not a leisurely read, sometimes felt repetitive, but ultimately interesting and enjoyable.