The Road to Character

Moderation, temperance, and self-restraint form the core thematic case study Brooks examines in the context of Ida’s influence on her son as a military leader and politician. Ida and David raised their sons in a conservative Christian sect that shunned such indulgences as playing cards, drinking, and gambling; however, Ida knew the value of playfulness, warmth, laughter, and even the occasional shot of whiskey if circumstances called for it. She was instrumental in relaxing their religious community’s dress code for women—surrounding the wearing of bonnets—and was initially upset, as a pacifist, when Eisenhower chose to attend West Point and embark upon a military career.