What Is The Theme Of The Road To Character By David Brooks

"The Road to Character,” which is written by David Brooks is a book that examines the idea of our own individual uniqueness, character and its importance in our lives. In “The Road to Character,” Brooks contends that instead of cultivating inner virtues and character, our society today has grown more concerned with generating resumes. In his book, Brooks contrasts two different kinds of virtues; resume virtues and eulogy virtues as well as discussing the two different human natures (Adam I and Adam II) which he uses to depict the differences between the virtues he discusses throughout the duration of his book. Brooks also looks at several historical characters and modern people. He talks about the significance of humility, self-control, and

As I read this book there were many questions that came to my mind. However, the overall critical question that I have come up with after studying this book is this; How are Adam I and II both important to the development of our own individual personalities?

First off, in “The Road to Character,” Brooks depicts that every human has two natures, Adam I and Adam II, and he borrows this idea from Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik. Adam, I for example, prioritize his job and exemplifies the resume virtues, while Adam II is internally moral and exhibits the eulogy virtues. When compared to Adam II, Adam I wants to "conquer the world," while Adam II wants to "serve the world." This got me wondering, do we need both, and does everyone have an inner Adam I and Adam II? Well, I did some additional research and what I found was interesting! According to an article by Rabbi James Rosenberg called: “Adam I and Adam II – and why we need both,” The

The ambition of Adam I is greater as he seeks to discover, seize, and dominate the enormous universe, whereas Adam II is more concerned with the moral, logical, and submissive inner self. “Adam I has the logic of economics, of which he seeks to make himself better off by making the most out of what surrounds him.” (Adam I vs. Adam II. Explore humanities). He devotes all his effort to the pursuit of self-interest. On the other hand, Adam II has a moral logic. Adam I’s whole focus is on advancing his own interests. Adam II, on the other hand, follows a moral