Character Building

by Booker T. Washington

As president of the Tuskegee Institute, Booker T. Washington made it his habit to deliver an address to his students every Sunday night. Washington was not only concerned with a giving his students a technical education, but with teaching them how to be successful in both the moral and commercial realm. These collected lectures are all on topics of character building and living a moral life and include subjects such as " The Virtue of Simplicity", "Keeping Your Word", "Object Lessons" and "Individual Opportunities".

Genres: Philosophy, Self Help, History, Nonfiction, Classics, Education, Personal Development

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1910

About the author

Booker Taliaferro Washington was an American educator, orator, author and the dominant leader of the African-American community nationwide from the 1890s to his death. Born to slavery and freed by the Civil War in 1865, as a young man, became head of the new Tuskegee Institute, then a teachers' college for blacks. It became his base of operations. His "Atlanta Exposition" speech of 1895 appealed to middle class whites across the South, asking them to give blacks a chance to work and develop separately, while implicitly promising not to demand the vote. White leaders across the North, from politicians to industrialists, from philanthropists to churchmen, enthusiastically supported Washington, as did most middle class blacks. He was the organizer and central figure of a network linking like-minded black leaders throughout the nation and in effect spoke for Black America throughout his lifetime. Meanwhile a more militant northern group, led by W. E. B. Du Bois rejected Washington's self-help and demanded recourse to politics, referring to the speech dismissively as "The Atlanta Compromise". The critics were marginalized until the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, at which point more radical black leaders rejected Washington's philosophy and demanded federal civil rights laws.

Reviews

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Six stars for the text. This should be required study for every American. The lack of these attributes in all of us today has done no good. Take the description of the ethnic group to be your own and go from there.

Mr. Sartor's Librivox reading gets 4 to 5 stars once you get past the british accent. Booker T. in a british accent is a bit difficult to get your mind around. It really is an excellent reading though... until... he tries to 'sing' the old gospel melodies late in the book. The renditions of the songs are so wrong they come off as almost insulting, though I doubt he meant it that way.

[Inspirational Living · Rating 5 out of 5]

"If you want to be happy, if you want to live a contented life, if you want to live a life of genuine pleasure, do something for somebody else. When you feel unhappy, disagreeable, and miserable, go to someone else who is miserable and do that person an act of kindness, and you will find that you will be made happy. The miserable persons in this world are the ones whose hearts are narrow and hard; the happy ones are those who have great big hearts. Such persons are always happy." - Booker T. Washington

This is an excellent collection of essays that offers timeless advice, especially for those who are thinking about getting into the teaching profession. It's the kind of book worth rereading periodically to remind you of what is important. To listen to an excerpt of the book dealing with the importance of optimism, visit the following link: The Bright Side of Life.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Important work concering race and history as well as equality. Still important today.

[Christine Norvell · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a teacher, I cannot believe I hadn't heard of these mini-lectures before. I would call it a teacher's devotional. Thoroughly enjoyed.

[Mike Ncube · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those rare books that I recommend to everyone. A true masterpiece

[Ijeoma · Rating 3 out of 5]

My rating for this book is more of a 3.5 than a solid 3.

I read Character Building as a way to familiarize myself with Booker T. Washington, one of the most influential black leaders and educators in the United States between the late 1800s and the early 1900s.

Character Building is a collection of lectures Washington presented to his students at Tuskegee University. These lectures outlined the proper behavior and mannerisms that his students were to exhibit not only in school, but in society. The advice given would help the students navigate through life, during the Jim Crow Era. Students were encouraged to strive for a vocational education for economic security versus seeking social advantages.

I found it interesting that most of the lectures were based on the advice that Washington sought from the whites in his circle. He would ask their opinion on why African Americans were viewed a certain way by whites, and they would share their reasons with him. By obtaining this information, and later sharing it, Washington felt he could change or prevent certain behaviors by his students, that would bring shame on the African American race. In turn, the desired behavior would yield a more comfortable way for them to exist in society and also bring African Americans respect.

Whether one agrees with the tactic or not is irrelevant. What should be noted are the topics which are valuable precepts today such as time management, home ownership, self- employment and planning for tomorrow.

Overall, this was a good read. My low rating was for my annoyance with the excessive grammatical errors and misspelled words. I read the Kindle version, so I am not sure if the errors occurred when
the book was typed for the Kindle format.

[Ed · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that needs to be read often as we need to be reminded of the importance of character and moral development. This is a book to read and reread. These are the kind of books I read as a teenager. And it is good to be reminded regarding the principles of character. Some of the principles taught were service to fellowman, treating everyone with respect, doing what you say you will do, working smart and hard to attain your goals. Don't be selfish. Live by the ten commandment. Be honorable. Be a good example to others. These are the jest of what is talked about in this book. It teaches self respect and respect of others. The book talks about doing more than is expected. Do the job until the job is done whether your time is up or not. It has many good points for those interested in character and moral development. I enjoyed the book. I listened to it at my leisure.

[Emmie M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book, which was originally published in 1902. It is filled with wisdom for the young and old - of yesteryear as well as today. I have been taught how to live a better life as a result of reading this book. Young people should read this with their parents and/or their teachers.

This was the first time I'd read any of Booker T. Washington's writings and I am so impressed with the man and educator that he was. What a gift he was to not just the African American community during his lifetime, but to America as a whole.

[Emmie M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book, which was originally published in 1902. It is filled with wisdom for the young and old - of yesteryear as well as today. I have been taught how to live a better life as a result of reading this book. Young people should read this with their parents and/or their teachers.

This was the first time I'd read any of Booker T. Washington's writings and I am so impressed with the man and educator that he was. What a gift he was to not just the African American community during his lifetime, but to America as a whole.

[Jason Whitaker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. Hard read. The font was disrespectfully small. Glad I didn't send it back, but wish there was a large font version.

[Sotiris Makrygiannis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every teacher and principal must read or hear this book. Is the speeches of an African American (x slave) towards his students. Self-motivation, discipline, motivational speeches that are timeless. Also gives you a very good understanding on the situations of the "recent recognized as man and human" African Americans. Realy a must so we don't forget the struggles of the previous generations on building humanity.

[Manuja · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book contains a compilation of Mr. Washington’s Sunday talks at the Tuskegee Institution. Mr. Washington is a genius. His sermons are not only about Character building but also about building leadership. I will even go so far as to say this a spiritual book. These life lessons are for both children and adult alike. A must read book for everyone.

[Sylvester · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of Washington's speeches of encouragement. Most of the speeches were great except some really cringe worthy ones toward the end.

[Bade · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wise man.

[Brooke Tallent · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although this was incredibly boring to read, I appreciate the historical significance and realize that would be much greater orated than read.

[George · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring words of a great educator that sets out the principles of living a useful life. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and would definitely go over it again soon.

[#DÏ4B7Ø Chinnamasta-Bhairav]

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To SEE a WORLD in a Grain of Sand,
And a HEAVEN in a Wild Flower,
Hold INFINITY in the palm of your hand
And ETERNITY in an Hour"
~ William Blake ~

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Form is Emptiness; Emptiness is form.
Form is not different than Emptiness;
Emptiness is not different than form
~ Heart Sutra ~

Like the ocean and its waves,
inseparable yet distinct

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" I and The Father are one,
I am The Truth,
The Life and The Path.”

Like a river flowing from its source,
connected and continuous

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Thy kingdom come.
Let the reign of divine
Truth, Life, and Love
be established in me,
and rule out of me all sin;
and may Thy Word
enrich the affections of all mankind

A mighty oak tree standing firm against the storm,
As sunlight scatters the shadows of night
A river nourishing the land it flows through

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[Tess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I celebrate this entire little volume, which seemed to jump out at me from the shelf when we visited the Booker T. Washington National Monument last fall. This is a no-nonsense manual for life, from someone who really thought deeply about the topics he brought to his students and who was able to condense complex issues of agency, morality, and discipline down into their essences. Reading it feels like a good talking-to, which despite your pride you know you sorely need, from a trusted friend. A taking to task that you somehow enjoy every minute of. I know I felt thoroughly schooled, and knowing that he intended these lectures for college-aged students, it reminded me about how much wisdom you can still get from going back to basics and remembering the simple goals you may have gotten away from.

Another thing that's really stuck with me is how any time he talks about how businesses and organizations should be run, and goes on a bit of a tirade about inefficiency, it is like he is reaching back up from the grave and lecturing directly to my city's leadership. Or he might as well be talking to The Verge or whatever about the way tech companies are run. 😂 Seriously, it is spooky just how accurate some of this continues to be.

Also, I didn't know he was such style and aesthetics guy, and I am here for it: "I hope that each one of you, after you graduate, will surround himself at home with what is beautiful, inspiring, and elevating." I really enjoyed hearing about how seriously he took choices about decor and environments and fashion and hospitality, which of course, all really do matter a huge amount in our daily lives. He also talks a lot about the dignity of everyday tasks, a topic that's near and dear to my heart.

A couple more quotes from what is probably my favorite book so far this year:

"Education is meant to make us change for the better, to make us more thoughtful, to make us so broad that we will not seek to help one man because he belongs to this race or that race of people, and seek to hinder another man because he does not belong to this race or that race of people. Education in the broadest and truest sense will make an individual seek to help all people, regardless of race, regardless of colour, regardless of condition."

"Those who are most useful in every way—are those who are constantly seeing and appreciating the bright side as well as the dark side of life."

[Go2therock · Rating 5 out of 5]

How refreshingly! I just love the common sense encouragement Mr. Washington offers. He's like the Father some never had, the Big Brother they need, the Honest Friend who can be straight with you, the reminder that we all need to do our best, and when we mess up we need to own it and get back up and start again, learning from our lessons.

What a treasure of foundational wisdom. Wish I'd known of this and had given it to my kids to read when I was raising them. I'll give it to them now. Timeless.

[Helfren · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are unhappy or miserable, and you see someone else in same situation, do something for them and your mood will improves. Before you make promise with someone, ask yourself first, will it pays you?

Booker Washington explains the concept of simplicity in how we live our daily life, do things better than your competitor this week even if it is just the act of laying brick. You have to lay brick better every day and build your own self.

This book has simple and complex concept of life mashed together in digestible chunks.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

My appreciation of Mr. Washington, which was already considerable, increased significantly upon reading this. But a man of such fortitude shouldn’t be a surprise to us that he has such convictions. He is rightly considered one of the great and honorable people in our history, and we should be saddened in how our nation at one time spurned him because of his race, just as we should be thankful that, for the most part (it is to be hoped), we have come to appreciate his wisdom and character.

[Isabella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy moly, I wish I had found this book years ago. One of my new all-time favorite books. This series of addresses for the Tuskegee students from Booker T. Washington should be read by all people, everywhere.

I immediately feel to be more hardworking, wiser, and humbled by having read it. He has a way of inspiring one to live a better life.

Must read. You will not regret it. I am shocked we often read "Up From Slavery" but not this one.

[Cortland Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy and simple read, it has transcending powers that can apply to day but it’s tough to overlook the direct intentions Booker T. had to address The Tuskegee Institution’s students. I love the simplicity of the message, but I could see his message promoting the underlying idea of “The South” during that time period.

[Nikola · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring read. Typical of many self-help books, if you want anything deeper than rules on how to live that you have probably heard before you will be disappointed. It is Washington's delivery, his conviction, and his message that moves me in this book. Total appeal to authority and I am not afraid to say that.

[Mahlangu · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is an incredible book, especially for college students to make the most of their college years and their lives afterward. Booker emphasizes having humility and not being selfish, but working to have a reputation of being honest, hard-working, conscientious, and intelligent so we make ourselves useful to others

[Buok · Rating 5 out of 5]

A solid book that encourages the reader to consider the way in which they conduct their lives. Washington identifies that it is the character of a person that defines how one dresses, interacts with others, and does when no one is around to witness. A great book that gives you a starting point for self-assessment!

[Bemthoi Ahongbam Chanu, ACS · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is one of the most insightful book I have read. This book should be read by both students and teachers. I can relate fully with it, this is the kind of advice I got since my childhood and very relatable. And very essential for character building..

[Jeana L. Inyama · Rating 5 out of 5]

Should be a school requirement

Lost pratical approach to rising above oppression and developing society as a whole.
Anyone who wishes to live in a better world should read, incorporate in their lives and share.

[Patrick]

This book is real snapshot of the mind of man during his time. Duty and humility are prominent the es. There is one idea which really stuck with me, which is that the following of trivial or seemingly meaningless rules is important, because it is a marker of civilization. That really stuck with me.

[Ati Jihene · Rating 5 out of 5]

تمنيت لو قرأت هذا الكتاب أيام الجامعة فهو عبارة عن كتاب و دليل أبطال و مفتاح نجاحه في الدراسة و الحياة.
مجموعة محاضرات مجمعة لمعلم مناظل و ملتزم بالنهوض بأبناء عرقه
لخّص من خلال هذا الكتاب تجربته الأكاديمية و ال