The Force of Character

“Marvelous . . . For a book about longevity, The Force of Character is just about perfect, not only for the wisdom of its content but also for its tone and pace.”—San Francisco Chronicle

“This is a book that will comfort someone afraid of getting old. Its gentle messages shine through.”—Los Angeles Times

“Provocative . . . Hillman breathes new life into a venerable concept, and in so doing helps us to rediscover the soulful possibilities of aging.”—Publishers Weekly

“A humane and generous theory of character, one that grants each of us our individuality and oddness rather than trying to force us into a moral straitjacket. The idea that the eccentricities of old age are not signs of incipient dementia but expressions of our true inner selves is appealing.”—The Washington Post

“Drawing upon a wealth of references to classical mythology, the Bible, poetry, philosophy, and rock lyrics, The Force of Character maintains that our century foolishly disdains the historic importance of character, which Hillman distinguishes from morality or genetic inheritance. . . . To concentrate on character is to find sense and purpose in the changes that define the decades past age sixty or so.”—Book Page

“Recommended . . . Hillman sheds new light on the aging process, showing growth where many see only decline.”—Library Journal

“There are some fine insights here. . . . Fresh and useful.”—Kirkus Reviews