Road to Character by David Brooks is the new book study for July…and I guess I’m already a bit behind schedule! But, hey, it’s summer, right? I’m glad to say that of what I’ve already read (through ch. 2 of 10) I am really enjoying the writing style, the stories, and insights presented by Brooks…maybe that’s why I’m reading it so slowly?

The introduction sets up Brooks idea of “character” by presenting the reader with an Adam I and an Adam II (very biblical), and what these two personas mean. One character is “of this world” and the other is “of a humble and self-sacrificing” centered type of character. The book, as broken into chapters, presents major themes or morality and virtue, as made real through the lives of different people. Chapter 1 (The Shift) continues this theme, generally, as Brooks comparatively presents the culture of the 1940’s vs. today. He examines the cultural differences through the lens of “Little Me” vs. “Big Me.” Little Me was a time “of more understated presence, self-effacing style.” The Big Me of today’s generation is rooted in “self-importance and a tendency to proclaim accomplishments.” Brooks’ point is that we’ve lost our way to follow the humble path in life, and that humble path is that idea, “humility is the freedom from the need to prove you are superior all the time.” I agree with Brooks that in our fast-paced, notice me society, we can often feel the need to highlight our accomplishments…I suppose there is a fine line is joyously proclaiming your delights and becoming a bit full of yourself. Here, Brooks quotes a good Anglican, the late Michael Ramsey, Archbishop of Canterbury, regarding how thankfulness and graciousness helps us prevent us from becoming too boastful: “Thankfulness is a soil in which pride does not easily grow.” Brooks’ point is that self-reflection and honesty about one’s strengths and weaknesses leads to a willingness to improve. Again, I wonder if our culture has lost the ability to take moments of silence for genuine self-reflection. A final thought of chapter 1: Brooks offers that many people who follow the path of humility were brought there through some difficult circumstances. “They had to descend into the valley of humility to climb the height of character,” says Brooks. He continues, “In the valley of humility they learned to quiet the self. Only by quieting the self could they see the world clearly. Only by quieting the self could they understand other people and accept what they are offering.”

Chapter 2 is our first encounter with a role model, and Frances Perkins is the character Brooks presents to us as a “summoned self,” the title of the chapter. I will not provide the details of Perkins’ story here, but sufficient to say that Perkins was raised in the strict environment of puritanical New England and learned to keep a stiff upper lip through life. Perkins also experiences a transformative time during college and is forever changed. She begins the life of an advocate, mainly for labor conditions for those who do not have a strong voice in government or business. She finds her work in the rough and tumble world of labor because she is truly called to help those in great need, as Brook says she is summoned to this work based on her skills, abilities, and God-given gifts. She truly does this work for the benefit of others, rather than simply doing a bit of good for the disadvantaged so she can feel good about herself. Brooks quotes Nathaniel Hawthorne to bring home the difference: “Benevolence is the twin of pride.” If help others to feel good about ourselves, we need some time of self-reflection here…a very important insight! Frances Perkins had many struggles – personal, family, and financial; but she put them all aside to focus on her work for others. The points and insights Brooks presents in chapter 2 are too numerous to cover here, but I would highly recommend the chapter. I am looking forward to chapters 3 and following!