Customer Reviews

Character Is Destiny: Inspiring Stories Every Young Person Should Know and Every Adult Should Remember (Modern Library Classics)

5 star:		(26)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Other reviewers have not revealed McCain's list of admirable character traits, and the individuals he believes best personify them, so let's do that:
Grouped under "HONOR": Honesty (Thomas More), Respect (Ghandi), Authenticity (Joan of Arc), Loyalty (Sir Ernest Shackleton), Dignity (Victor Frankl).
Grouped under "PURPOSE": Idealism (Sojourner Truth), Righteousness (Romeo Dallaire), Citizenship (Pat Tillman), Diligence (Winston Churchill), Responsibility (Lord Nelson & lieutenants), Cooperation (John Wooden).
Under STRENGTH: Courage (Edity Cavell), Self-Control (George Washington), Confidence (Elizabeth I), Resilience (Abe Lincoln), Industry (Eric Hoffer), Hopefulness (John Winthrop).
Under UNDERSTANDING: Faith (Christian guard at Hua Lo Prison), Compassion (Maximillian Kolbe), Mercy (Mother Antonia), Tolerance (The Four Chaplains), Forgiveness (Nelson Mandela), Generosity (Oseola McCarty).
Under JUDGMENT: Fairness (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.), Humility (Eisenhower), Gratitude (Tecumseh), Humor (Mark Twain), Courtesy (Aung San Suu Kyi).
Under CREATIVITY: Aspiration (Ferdinand Magellan), Discernment (Leonardo da Vinci), Curiosity (Charles Darwin), Enthusiasm (Theodore Roosevelt), Excellence (Wilma Rudolph).
Under LOVE: Selflessness and Contentment (Mother Teresa)

Little reflection is required to notice the arbitrariness of some of the above pairings of characteristics and individuals. Several other classifications and pairings would have been possible and, obviously, many of the above people qualify under more than one heading. But any listing and pairing could be criticized, so it's more practical to understand that McCain and Salter's list, while arbitrary in some respects, does perform the valuable service of setting out traits and proposed representatives in a listing probably as good as any other.

What is most important about this book is its descriptions of so many people of high character. This presentation goes way beyond chicken soup stories. It's Lobster Bisque for the Noble Soul.

In a manner similar to then-Senator John F. Kennedy's "Profiles in Courage" in 1955, Senator John McCain (R-Arizona) has co-written, with his regular writing partner Mark Salter, a straightforward book about 34 historical figures, both famous and forgotten, all of whom followed their conscience against seemingly insurmountable odds to achieve their sense of truth and decency. Depending on your political affiliation, the publication seems either ironic given the declining level of trust for the current administration and its leader, or timely given McCain's own Presidential aspirations. Perhaps to escape such scrutiny, McCain and Salter have targeted their book to young adults who are otherwise ignored by such politicians except in polemics such as promising increased subsidies for higher education. This decision is admittedly crafty, but fortunately, the co-authors handle their history lesson in a non-condescending way that makes it constructive reading for readers of any age.

The overriding message they want to convey is that there is nothing circumstantial when it comes to people who achieve greatness, that in fact, they achieve greatness as a result of their own character. McCain's message of being responsible for one's own happiness resonates, and he modestly assesses himself as a work-in-progress in this regard. The book is rather arbitrarily organized into seven categories - honor, purpose, strength, understanding, judgment, creativity and love - under which he identifies individuals who represent key aspects of those criteria for greatness. The expected figures are included, legendary martyrs such as Joan of Arc (under "Honor" epitomizing authenticity), Thomas More (representing honesty) and Nelson Mandela (showing forgiveness in the "Understanding" section). Four US Presidents are included - Washington, Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Eisenhower - though interestingly and probably intentionally, no Democrats are on their short list.

The real value of the book, however, is reacquainting, and in some cases, introducing readers to figures with far less renown for deeds of comparable courage, such as Aung San Suu Kyi for her non-violent resistance to the repressive military regime in Myanmar; Mother Antonia, who sacrificed a privileged lifestyle to work as a Catholic sister with prisoners in some of Mexico's worst prisons; and Oseola McCarty, a washerwoman who gave away her life savings to help students get into the University of Southern Mississippi. I even appreciate the inclusion of a more controversial selection such as Charles Darwin for his curiosity even though his theories about evolution are at odds with the religious right. McCain gets more personal by including under a section on faith, the Christian guard at Hua Lo Prison where he was otherwise tortured as a POW during the Vietnam War. It's a revelation that makes the list feel more personal even though no one would argue with most of the choices here. Whatever the political motivation, McCain and Salter have done us a favor by celebrating the human spirit through the courage of these 34 individuals.

"Character Is Destiny," by Senator John McCain, reminds me somewhat of the series of books by virtue's czar, William Bennett. Bennett's forte was compiling vignettes from classical literature to illustrate various admirable character traits. McCain follows suit by highlighting character as illustrated by famous and not-so-famous individuals from ancient history and modern times.

His choice of heroes and heroines is eclectic enough to please folks on the right and the left. As the subtitle suggests, the book can be a shared experienced between young and old, parents and children. It is worth the reading for its celebration of the human spirit, in particular the spirit of hope that overcomes despair, love that conquers hate, and faith that defeats doubt.

Reviewer: Bob Kellemen, Ph.D., is the author of "Soul Physicians," "Spiritual Friends," and "Beyond the Suffering: Embracing the Legacy of African American Soul Care and Spiritual Direction."

This is an impeccably written book, and one that is well worth keeping, sharing, and especially giving as a gift, as the stories and principles hold a great deal of weight, by virtue of the light from which the stories have been written.

On the subject of destiny, McCain does not believe in inevitable destiny. Instead, he shares, "It is your character, and your character alone, that will make your life happy or unhappy. That is all that really passes for destiny. And you choose it."

On character and reputation, he shares:
"Many good people mistake their reputation for their character. It is a mistake I have made many, many times," McCain writes. "Of course, our reputation should be a reflection of our character. But sometimes, through no fault of our own, it is not.

"We must be true to ourselves. And we must be true to others, whether they believe we are or not."

This is the ultimate message of this stellar book, and the stories help to reinforce how to live the messages by inspiring us with the truth others have shared and lived by.

I am actually rewarding my high school age children to read this book. I also feel that anyone, at any age, can significantly enhance their lives from the many principles in "Character is Destiny" by making the conscious choices to do so.

Deserves 10 Stars.

Barbara Rose, Ph.D. author of Stop Being the String Along: A Relationship Guide to Being THE ONE and Know Yourself: A Woman's Guide to Wholeness, Radiance & Supreme Confidence

Long car ride. 4 kids. Hey, let's torture the kids with John McCain... we packed along the iPods and gadgets, and figured WE (the adults) would listen to this while the kids ignored it.

We popped in the first disc of the audio CD. After about 5 minutes, I thought, "there's just no way I can listen to this through the whole state of Utah!" McCain's voice is pretty monotone. Enough to put someone to sleep. Except, that after a little while, I realized I was listening to what Senator McCain was SAYING, listening to the story. The stories contained are very interesting.

Eventually, my 7yr old son and 10 yr old daughter were engrossed in these stories.

I also have a stronger opinion of Senator McCain after some of his musings. When he spoke of Pat Tillman, McCain says, "I wish I had known him. I wish I had known him all of his life." There were many comments like this that made you sure that Senator McCain really gave a hoot about the subjects of his stories.

Whether you are a Republican, or other -- this is quite a read/listen. it you have any emotions, you will probably cry at times. You will cringe and feel for these heroes.

BUY THIS! You won't be disappointed.

I was browsing this new book by Sen. McCain at my local bookstore and after thumbing through it, I had to buy it. In fact, I am adding it as an accessary gift at weddings and will be giving it away for Christmas as well.

Sen. McCain is a man of character. His message is urgently needed. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

I originally got this book for myself which is signed by Senator McCain and I enjoyed it so much I wanted to share it. I bought one for my friends with families, young and old. Everyone loved it! I am really excited that I found it. It's a great gift for anyone. I have been asked where I bought it so other's could also give it as a gift. You'll find quotes and stories from many prominent people like Benjamin Franklin to Mother Teresa. I highly recommend this for everyone!
Character Is Destiny: Inspiring Stories Every Young Person Should Know and Every Adult Should Remember

I am INSPIRED by this book. It is very ENJOYABLE AND MOTIVATING. While learning bits of WORLD HISTORY you learn about how making daily good choices carve people's character that lead to great things! Wonderful to share with your children especially around 9 and up. Having each section be only 5-7 pages...it is easy to pick up and read for 15-20 minutes and set back down. With four children that is a easy book for me to read! No matter what your political stance, you will be in awe of John Mcain. He is one of the world's most HUMBLE AND REPECTABLE MEN He has a smart concept of what is truly impt in life. He is a HERO in my book anyday!

This is a great book of heroes, especially for kids 10-16. I am reading them to my 10 year old son. You wouldn't want to go much younger, because McCain does deal with incredible hardships some of these people went through, some of which younger kids just wouldn't understand. It's well written, and it consistently comes back to the value of having honor. Kids need more of this. And by the way, this is a great read for adults too--really inspirational.

I absolutely loved this book and plan to send it to others as a gift that keeps on giving. The book is filled with short biographies of 34 historical characters. It was broken down by those who demonstrated honor, purpose, strength, understanding, judgment, creativity, and love. These are colorful people of character who led interesting lives and impacted the lives of countless others. It provides what I like to call incidental learning. You read about the lives of others and effortlessly about history, character, and so much more. If you liked this style of writing and learning, I suggest that you also read: Proust Was a Neuroscientist by Jonah Lehrer I loved it too.

Within its 297 extremely readable pages, John McCain's story is told, as just one of the interesting biographies in this wonderful book! Buy it today. You'll be glad you did.