Oprah's Super Soul Super Soul Special: David Brooks: The Road to Character
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Jul 3, 2024 
New York Times columnist David Brooks discusses the importance of building character, vulnerability, and strength. He explores the societal shift from humility to self-promotion and the impact of parenthood on character development. Brooks also emphasizes the significance of passing on legacy and virtues, embracing personal growth through humility and spiritual practices.
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Book Written To Save A Soul
- David Brooks wrote The Road to Character to "save his own soul" and escape a life of superficiality.
- He observed people with inner light and wanted to understand how they developed deep character.
Cultural Shift Toward Self-Promotion
- Brooks contrasts a culture of humility with a modern culture of self-promotion and chest-thumping.
- He sees public celebration after trivial victories as symbolic of a bigger cultural shift toward the "big me."
Resume Vs. Eulogy Virtues
- Brooks distinguishes resume virtues (career skills) from eulogy virtues (character traits remembered after death).
- He warns most people focus on the resume and neglect the deeper eulogy virtues.