F Cancer #28 - David Brooks and Character

#28 - Character

David Brooks, in his article in The Atlantic, writes this, about suffering: 

"When people look forward, when they plan their lives, they say, 'How can I plan ... [to] make me happy?'" Brooks noted. "But when people look backward at the things that made them who they are, they usually don't talk about moments when they were happy. They usually talk about moments of suffering or healing. So we plan for happiness, but we're formed by suffering." Like love, suffering exposes our lack of control over our lives. But it also encourages deep introspection and equips people with a moral calling. "They're not masters of their pain, they can't control their pain, but you do have a responsibility to respond to your pain," Brooks explained. He gave the example of Franklin Roosevelt, whose character was forged through his battle with polio. 

His philosophy on character is old-fashioned and yet timely. He doesn't mince words yet his experiences give credibility to his perspective. I like the guy. 

Anything you can read by Brooks will give you insight into living, which, of course, includes suffering. His columns lift me, inspire me, cause me to ponder, and give me nourishment for days. (And I find his thoughts on Adam 1 and Adam 2 fascinating.)