On Character: Choices That Define a Life
About this product
AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
From the bestselling author of Team of Teams and My Share of the Task, reflections on character, and who we choose to be.
“Reputation is what men and women think of us; character is what God and angels know of us.”
—Thomas Paine
How to measure a life? After a career of service, retired four-star general Stanley McChrystal had much to contemplate. He pondered his successes and failures, his beliefs and aspirations, and asked himself, Who am I, really? And more importantly, who have I become? When I die, how will I be measured?
In the end, McChrystal came to a conclusion as simple as it was profound: the reality of who we are cannot be recorded in dates or accomplishments. It is found in our character—the most accurate, and last full measure, of who we choose to be.
On Character offers McChrystal’s blueprint for living with purpose and integrity, challenging us to examine not just our deeds but who we become through them. Drawing from a lifetime of experience, he distills profound insights on setting and meeting standards, aligning actions with beliefs, and offers practical advice on overcoming obstacles and pursuing self-improvement.
According to McChrystal, character is not a trait inherited at birth, nor does it automatically come from education, position, or experience. Character, instead, comes down to a succession of choices, most mundane, several momentous, that reveal the deep truth of our capacity for virtue.
In an era where understanding and upholding our ideals is more crucial than ever, On Character offers an inspiring roadmap for personal growth and integrity—a call to become our best selves, both as individuals and as Americans. Read more
Editor's Take
Amazon and Goodreads reviewers describe On Character: Choices That Define a Life as thoughtful, reflective, and aligned with Stanley McChrystal’s leadership experience. Readers who liked it praised the book’s emphasis on discipline, conviction, and personal integrity, while some reviews suggested it reads more like a leadership meditation than a traditional memoir.
- Goodreads reviewers highlight its focus on character, values, and the author’s military perspective.
- Book reviewers on blogs describe it as a serious, thoughtful book about how small choices shape a life.
- Reddit discussion around McChrystal’s appearance and book tends to be interested in his leadership lessons and public reflections on character.
- YouTube results include multiple real videos clearly tied to the book, including interviews, talks, and summaries.
Overall, the strongest customer sentiment is positive: people who are interested in leadership, ethics, and self-discipline find it meaningful, while readers expecting a fast-paced memoir may find it more philosophical and introspective.
Price History
Specifications
| Publisher | Portfolio |
| Publication date | May 13, 2025 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 304 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0593852958 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0593852958 |
| Item Weight | 13.2 ounces |
| Dimensions | 5.71 x 0.98 x 8.5 inches |
| Best Sellers Rank | #15,802 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #165 in Motivational Management & Leadership #168 in Business Motivation & Self-Improvement (Books) #333 in Success Self-Help |
| Customer Reviews | 4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars (810) |
