Ep 83: 7 character strengths to raise “Thrivers” Dr. Michele Borba

Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird" is a classic novel that explores themes of racial injustice, childhood innocence, and moral courage in the American South. The story is narrated by Scout Finch, a young girl who witnesses the trial of Tom Robinson, a Black man falsely accused of a crime. Lee's powerful storytelling captures the complexities of race relations in the Jim Crow South, highlighting the prejudice and injustice faced by Black people. The novel's enduring appeal lies in its exploration of universal themes of empathy, compassion, and the importance of standing up for what is right. It remains a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial equality in America.

In 'The Outsider,' Colin Wilson examines the psyche of the Outsider through the lives and works of various literary and cultural figures such as Albert Camus, Jean-Paul Sartre, Ernest Hemingway, Hermann Hesse, and Fyodor Dostoyevsky. The book delves into the Outsider's experience of dislocation and his struggle to find meaning and purpose in a world that seems devoid of it. Wilson argues that the Outsider is a metaphysical man who seeks a transcending meaning and purpose for human existence, often feeling isolated and disconnected from society. The book is both a study of the Outsider's predicament and an impassioned call for a new form of existentialism that could provide a satisfying and objective religious understanding of life.

R. J. Palacio's "Wonder" is a heartwarming and inspiring novel about August Pullman, a boy with facial differences who enters a mainstream school for the first time. The story is told from multiple perspectives, offering insights into August's experiences and the impact he has on those around him. The novel explores themes of kindness, acceptance, and the importance of looking beyond appearances. "Wonder" celebrates the power of empathy and understanding, reminding readers of the importance of treating everyone with respect and compassion.

The Harry Potter series, written by J.K. Rowling, follows the journey of Harry Potter, an orphan boy who discovers he is a wizard. The series spans seven novels, each corresponding to one year of Harry's life at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry, along with his best friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, navigates the magical world, confronts various challenges, and ultimately faces off against the dark wizard Lord Voldemort, who murdered Harry's parents and seeks to dominate the wizarding world. The series explores themes of friendship, love, and the struggle between good and evil.

Charlotte's Web, written by E.B. White, is a timeless children's classic that tells the story of Wilbur, a pig, and Charlotte, a spider, who form an unlikely friendship. The story is set on a farm and revolves around the efforts of Charlotte to save Wilbur from being slaughtered. Through their relationship, the book explores themes of friendship, courage, self-sacrifice, and the natural cycle of life and death. The novel is known for its vivid depiction of farm life and its ability to address complex emotions and themes in a way that is accessible to children. The book has been widely acclaimed and has sold over 45 million copies worldwide since its publication in 1952.

In *UnSelfie*, Dr. Michele Borba addresses the decline in empathy among children, which she links to the 'Selfie Syndrome. ' She offers a 9-step program to help parents and educators foster empathy, promoting traits like kindness, moral courage, and resilience. The book emphasizes that empathy is teachable and crucial for success in the global economy.

This book delves into the profound acts of altruism during the Holocaust by examining the lives of over 700 European rescuers and non-rescuers. It provides insights into what drives people to act with extraordinary compassion and offers a roadmap for fostering altruism to prevent future atrocities. The authors aim to understand and promote the traits of altruism through their research.