More than 1,500 quotes, taken from select scriptures, proverbs, maxims, aphorisms, wise sayings, and memorable quotations collectively model (define, illustrate, and classify) for readers eight character merits as "indispensable essentials and necessities" in life: "humility," "perseverance," "prayerfulness," "prudence," "purpose," "resilience," "service," and "instinctive reasoning." Because of the comprehensive aim of the quotes, authors of the quotes are historical in range and diverse in age and profession (i.e., from ancient thinkers in the century B.C. and authors of the Old and New Testaments to administrators in higher education, children's advocates, famous athletes, internationally-recognized entrepreneurs, first ladies, government officials, religious leaders, scientists (behavioral, social and physical), literary writers, stage and film celebrities, traditional and contemporary speakers, and even Generation X'ers). Critics are unanimous in their evaluations of the book (its preface; eight chapterintroductions; and over 1,500 inspirational and motivational quotes that follow - "humility," "perseverance," "prayerfulness," "prudence," "purpose," "resilience," "service," and "instinctive reasoning") - - - "helpful and necessary for today's culture"; "encourages introspection." To close the book, provided are eleven exceptional activitieson character to further the use of the book.
