Character

This is a book review of “The Road to Character” by David Brooks.

In “The Four Fists” by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the protagonist, in response to a reporter’s question, gives an account of the four key moments in his life that build his character. The formula of each escapade is simple: he makes a mistake, receives a solid punch to the face in return and instead of fighting back, responds with humility — taking with each blow, a lesson with which to craft his character. In “Road to Character”, David Brooks is writing about similar men and women. The sort that make mistakes. The sort that wage internal battles in the aftermath. And in doing so, build character.

He begins by looking at the world and sees that it is fully concentrated on “Adam I” or “Resume seeking” virtues. What does Adam I look like? Just imagine your favourite billionaire. Adam I is bold, persistent, full of grit, works extraordinarily hard, has an intrinsic desire to win, believes in herself despite the odds and fights till the last breath. Adam I has riches she fully deserves: the awe of many, enormous fortune and the “perfect life”. The perfect LinkedIn resume.

Brooks argues that in our Tunnel-like concentration on Adam I, we’ve lost track of a different side of life: Adam II or “Eulogy seeking” virtues. You may not think too much of the Adam IIs in your life because they don’t exist to stand out. They are humble, care more for people than prestige, have deep friendships, devote their lives to something bigger than themselves and realise how dependent they are on others for redemption. In short: “Adam I achieves success by winning victories over others. But Adam II builds character by winning victories over the weaknesses in himself.”

Brooks follows up this philosophy with case studies of great figures in history. Each chapter is focused on an Adam II virtue, coupled with the biography of someone who who struggled through their own personal vices to achieve that virtue. It’s an incredible reminder that many of the ‘greats’ we now look up to had similar doubts and struggles as we ourselves do — and yet they were able to shape the world so significantly. My favorites were the lives of George Elliot on Love, Samuel Johnson on Self-Examination, St. Augustine on Ordered Love and George Marshall on Self-Mastery.

“The Road to Character” felt at many times contrarian, which made it fascinating to me. It argues against existentialism and the ‘zen-like’ thinking that is prevalent today. Brooks argues that accepting our vices is not enough; that we should instead struggle with them and that this struggle is the most important of our lives. That there is good and evil, and that we ought to keep a watchful eye for Sin within ourselves.

And finally, it inspired that “Vuja De” moment where instead of looking back and admiring all the Adam Is in my life (those who are materially successful), I instead sought out the Adam IIs. It made me appreciate family & friends with golden characters and reminded me to cherish them more. Definitely worth a read!