Finding a good book by someone with a military background isn’t easy and most of us don’t get many chances to sit down with a military person to just chat about life. That’s one of the reason that makes On Character special. It’s a rare opportunity to get a peek into the mind of someone whose life and experiences are so different from our own.

In this collection of short, reflective chapters, Stanley McChrystal takes us on his life journey, almost like reading his personal diary. As he shares his stories, we see how his views have grown and shifted. His take on life might not match ours exactly, but isn’t that why we read books?

Generations will view themselves and the world differently. And they should. Their vantage points aren’t the same, and we live, work, and struggle for what we value as people, not as generations.

General Stanley McChrystal, On Character: Choices That Define a Life

There’s a lot of interesting takes here, including topics people rarely talk about openly. One chapter that really stands out for me is called Fixing Politics: What You Don’t Fix Will Kill You. In it, McChrystal offers some bold ideas to shake up our political system. For example, he suggests making voting mandatory so that every eligible person takes part, even if it’s to select a “no preference” option, giving everyone a voice in the process. He also calls for a serious reform of campaign finance to drastically reduce the money flowing into politics. This, he argues, would open the doors for more talented individuals to run for office without being tethered to wealthy donors or burdened by relentless fundraising, helping to curb the influence of big money on politics. Lastly, he emphasizes the need to tackle disinformation head-on, a critical step to restoring trust in the political system and in each other.

If you’re curious about how a retired general sees the world, this book is a must-read. It’s a refreshing way to step outside your usual mindset and consider new ways to tackle some big issues we’re facing.

My Favorite Bits

When I am feeling ignorant or unsure, as is often the case, I pick up a book.

General Stanley McChrystal, On Character: Choices That Define a Life

Some endings are not really the end; they’re just an opportunity to keep moving forward.

General Stanley McChrystal, On Character: Choices That Define a Life

Some people can achieve exceptional things while maintaining an illusion of ease, but most of us know it’s a show.

General Stanley McChrystal, On Character: Choices That Define a Life

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Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my review.

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Author: General Stanley McChrystal

Publication date: 13 May 2025

Number of pages: 304 pages

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