Character

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

2541

Title

Character

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Samuel Smiles' 'Character' argues that moral integrity, duty, and self-control are the true foundations of success, surpassing wealth, intellect, or genius. Through historical examples of men and women who achieved greatness through virtue, the book presents character as the highest form of human excellence and the essential strength of any society.

Summary up to 500 words

In 'Character,' Samuel Smiles argues that while genius and wealth command admiration, true respect and lasting influence belong to individuals of genuine moral character. Smiles posits that character acts as a powerful motive force, sustaining people through both heroic moments and the ordinary duties of daily life. He asserts that industry, integrity, and honesty are the noblest possessions, often outweighing intellectual culture or financial status. While genius represents the intellect, character represents the conscience of society; men of genuine excellence command spontaneous homage because they uphold all that is good in the world. Smiles emphasizes that doing one's duty faithfully, even in small things, embodies the highest ideal of life. He contrasts the 'red heart' of emotion with the 'white brain' of cold reason, favoring the former as the source of true human connection. Intellectual capacity and wealth do not guarantee moral excellence; indeed, wealth can often corrupt character, whereas poverty is compatible with the highest form of virtue. Smiles illustrates that character is an estate in the goodwill of mankind, providing a reward of esteem that money cannot buy. A significant portion of the work explores the profound impact of virtuous companionship, particularly the supportive roles of wives. Smiles highlights how a well-regulated home is central to a man's success. He cites numerous examples of noble women who aided their husbands in scientific, literary, and political endeavors. For instance, the wife of Dr. Buckland assisted with his pen and restored broken fossils, while Lady Hamilton served as the hands, eyes, and mind for her paralyzed husband, Sir William Hamilton, enabling him to complete his lectures. Similarly, the wife of Dr. Livingstone shared his dangers, and the wife of John Stuart Mill was the inspirer behind his best writings. Smiles concludes that the secret to a man's influence is often the purity of his aims and the sustaining power of a good home, where the heart rules over the brain.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/2541.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg2541.epub

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Categories

• Biography
• Self-Help