Are You Adam 1 Or Adam 11

You may know David Brooks from his insightful articles in the New York Times and Wall Street Journal, or from his many appearances on Meet the Press.  I hope you will have the chance to read his new book, The Road to Character.  Although I have just started it, I already want to recommend it.

In the introduction, Brooks talks about what he calls Adam 1 and Adam 11.  Adam 1 is the career-oriented, ambitious side of our nature.  Adam 1 wants to build, create, produce, and discover things.  He wants high status and to win victories.  He wants recognition.  He wants to conquer the world Adam 11 is the internal Adam.  Adam 11 wants to embody certain moral qualities.  He wants to have a serene inner character, a quiet and solid sense of right and wrong.  He wants to sacrifice self in the service of others, to have a cohesive inner soul that honors creation and one's own possibilities.  Most of us are a combination of Adam 1 and 11, thank goodness.  This book is about Adam 11.

Brooks gives some statistics early on that show where we are as a nation.  In 1950, Gallup asked high school seniors if they considered themselves to be a very important person.  12% said yes.  The same question was asked in 2005, and those that considered themselves very important was 80%.  Wow.  Psychologists have a thing called the narcissism test.  They read statements like "I like to be the center of attention...I show off if I get the chance because I am extraordinary."  The median narcissism score has risen 30% in the last two decades. 92% of young people score higher than the middle score just twenty years ago.  There's been a rise in self esteem and an increase in the desire for fame.

Brooks speaks often of humility.  People who exhibit humility are Adam 11's.  I can't wait to read more, find out who in history he considers Adam 11's, and how we can all show more of our humble side in daily life.  Check this book out at your local library if it sounds as interesting to you as it did to me.