Book Description
In The Soul's Code, James Hillman argued that each
of us is born with an innate character that calls us to what
we are meant to be. Now, in The Force of Character, he
looks at life's finishing act -- old age. The value of aging,
Hillman writes, is that "we become more characteristic
of who we are simply by lasting into later years." He
presents an explosive new thesis -- that even age's
debilitating changes are necessary and meaningful. A
weakening short-term memory makes us recall the past and
re-evaluate our lives; decline of physical power allows us to
be still and notice life's wonders. America demands its old
people act young; Hillman challenges us to stop denying the
facts and lessons of old age. This empowering, original work
offers an entirely other viewpoint to current genetic
determinism which sees no purpose in the long stretch of
later years. Hillman writes, "Aging can free you from
conventional constriction and transform you into a force of
nature, releasing your deepest beliefs, your passionate
intensity." For all who read it, The Force of
Character will be a seminal life-affirming experience.