---
title: The Book of Charlie by David Von Drehle
description: "Book of the Month:  “The Book of Charlie”, by David Von Drehle"
---

[Tim McCarthy & BGF | Blog ](https://blog.thebusinessofgood.org)

# [The Book of Charlie by David Von Drehle](https://blog.thebusinessofgood.org/the-book-of-charlie-by-david-von-drehle)

 Written by [Tim McCarthy](https://blog.thebusinessofgood.org/author/tim-mccarthy) | Nov 30, 2023 9:36:58 PM

Editor’s Note: As you know, I’m fascinated by the human need for, search for, meaning. Von Drehle does a brilliant job of using the story of one man to illustrate the wisdom of the centuries on the matter.  The author meets a 102-year-old medical doctor, Charlie White, when he moves into the neighborhood.  Listening to Charlie’s stories, which began before the invention of the radio creates Von Drehle’s reflections on a life well lived.

Favorite quote:  

*“Though Charlie was not a student of philosophy, I recognized in his words the essence of Stoicism, one of the most durable and useful schools of thought ever devised…the Stoics taught that a life well lived requires a deep understanding of what we control and – more difficult – all that lies beyond our control.  We determine nothing but our own actions and reactions.”*

[View full post](https://blog.thebusinessofgood.org/the-book-of-charlie-by-david-von-drehle)

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