When No One Sees: The Importance of Character in an Age of Image

by Os Guinness, Karen Lee-Thorp

The issue of personal character is hotly debated in our newspapers and on our airwaves today. When No One Sees is perfect for the reader of any denomination or spiritual standing who is seeking insight and direction on character development and why character counts. Presenting the truth of the Bible in the context of modern society, other faiths, and 3,000 years of history, Guinness offers a compelling analysis of current culture along with profiles of historic individuals of model character. Using both classical and modern examples, he illustrates how character is built and tested, presenting practical help for bringing about change in personal character. This is the first in a series of six Trinity Forum studies which combine classical and current readings with provocative discussion questions. They have been successfully using this format for over eight years in their private leadership forums.

Genres: Christian, Leadership

320 pages, Paperback

First published July 5, 2000

About the author

Os Guinness (D.Phil., Oxford) is the author or editor of more than twenty-five books, including The American Hour, Time for Truth and The Case for Civility. A frequent speaker and prominent social critic, he was the founder of the Trinity Forum and has been a visiting fellow at the Brookings Institution and a guest scholar at the Woodrow Wilson Center for International Studies. He lives near Washington, D.C.

Reviews

[Mathew Santhosh]

Excellent

[Kenneth Garrett]

Re-reading this for the fourth time, taking it slow and meeting with a friend to discuss issues of character in leadership development. For a book-discussion group that wants to address issues of character as exemplified in historical characters, I can't imagine a more engaging book! The account by Plutarch of Alexander's murder of Clitus the Black is worth the price of the book, let alone Washington's last meeting with his officers! For those who would like a lively discussion of the importance of character, and therefore character formation, as an alternative to Q and A "discipleship" studies--this book might be of great help. It certainly has been to me!

[Laurie]

Wonderful collection of excerpts from biography, autobiography, history and other classic literature on aspects of character and how character is formed. Everything from Plato and Sophocles through Machiavelli to Thomas More to Winston Churchill and even some later 20 C. writings.

[Mat Rueter]

"How easily men could make things better than they are - if only they tried together!" Winston Churchill, letter to his wife before World War I