Day 132: Virtues

In the beginning of his book The Road to Character, David Brooks draws a distinction between two sets of virtues.

The first set contain the qualities and skills that help us succeed in our careers. Do we learn quickly? Do we execute well? Do we get things done? When we think of successful magnates and leaders, we usually think of these qualities. They are what Brooks calls the resume virtues.

The other set is much less glamorous and certainly much less sought after. Are we kind? Do we live with integrity? Do we love well? These are the things that people will remember and speak of when our time passes — the eulogy virtues.

As useful as the resume virtues are, I hope I never lose sight of the fact that the eulogy virtues are the ones that truly matter.