Brooks concludes
The Road to Character with a description of the “flow” or “hush” that a person feels when their inner values are at last in line with their outer behavior. This “hush” or sense of peace is present at the end of each biography, even if it is accompanied by sacrifice and pain. For instance, Dorothy Day experienced immense gratitude, while Augustine experienced peace. Ultimately, then, Brooks suggests that building inner character, rather than chasing external success, is what will fulfill people and give them purpose.