This document summarizes David Brooks' book "The Road to Character" which discusses developing virtues and strong character. It outlines Brooks' view that character begins with self-examination and understanding oneself, including one's flaws. While people are flawed, they are also endowed with potential. The journey to develop character involves struggles against weaknesses and sins through inner confrontation over the long term with courage, honesty and humility. No one can achieve self-mastery alone and we are ultimately saved by grace.

1. THE ROAD TO CHARACTER
81ST ANNUAL SOLOMON B. FREEHOF BOOK REVIEWS
Karen Hochberg
November 19, 2015
Rodef Shalom Congregation

3. “Character is the true man, the complete man. Character is
the symmetrical development of body, mind, heart and
will.” JLL
WWW.CHARACTEROBSESSION.COM
“My Religion …To work in hope; to accept the past in
gratefulness and to strive to add to the good for the future; to
be honest in all my dealings and expressions; to worship the
truth; to be loyal to my country and my ideals;
to seek salvation through character.”

5.  The Lonely Man of Faith
 Resume vs. Eulogy Virtues
 Brand You
“This book is about Adam II. It’s about one
mindset that people through the centuries have
adopted to put iron in their core and to cultivate
a wise heart. I wrote it, to save my soul.”
The “Genesis” of the journey…

6.  Brooks as social critic
 The power of story
 The power of conversation
WORTH THE JOURNEY?

7.  What does life want from me?
 What are my circumstances calling
me to do?
 Begins in self-investigation and ends
in self-fulfillment.
FRANCIS PERKINS: THE SUMMONED SELF

8. “If my people, which are called by my name, shall
humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and
turn from their wicked ways then I will hear from
heaven, and will forgive their sins and heal their
land.”
2 Chronicles 7:14
SELF CONQUEST:
IDA STOVER & DAVID EISENHOWER

9. STRUGGLE:
DOROTHY DAY

10. SELF-MASTERY:
GEORGE MARSHALL

11. DIGNITY:
PHILLIP RANDOLPH

12. LOVE:
GEORGE ELIOT
ORDERED LOVE:
ST. AUGUSTINE

13. SELF EXAMINATION:
SAMUEL JOHNSON
THE BIG ME:
JOHNNY UNITAS & JOE NAMATH

15. 1. We don’t live for happiness, we live for
holiness
2. Character begins with understanding
ourselves
3. Although we are flawed we are
splendidly endowed.
Brooks
15 Point Humility Code

16. 4. Humility is the greatest virtue
5. Pride is the central Vice
6. The struggle against sin and for virtue is
the central drama of life.
Brooks
15 Point Humility Code

17. 7. Character is built in the course of your
inner confrontation.
8. Character endures over the long-term
courage honest, humility.
9. Self mastery cannot be achieved alone.
Brooks
15 Point Humility Code

18. 10. We are ultimately saved by Grace.
11. Defeating weakness often means
quieting the self.
12. Wisdom starts with epistemological
modesty..
Brooks
15 Point Humility Code

19. 13. No good life is possible unless
organized around a vocation.
14. A good leader leads along the
grain of human nature not against it.
15. A person who struggles against
weakness will become mature.
Brooks
15 Point Humility Code