Second Mountain by David Brooks

"Instead of a soul to be uplifted we are seen as a set of skills to be maximized" ⁣⁣

⁣While some may not like David Brooks for his political leanings or personal journey - I'd still encourage you to read the book. He's a beautiful writer and quotes tremendous people throughout. He also OWNS his past, his divorce, and misgivings. I really respected and appreciated his approach to discussing his past, his struggles, and how he learned from it all.

⁣I highlighted a ridiculous amount of this book and it’s on the top of my list to reread. He argues we go through life as “first mountain” people - driven by ego, self-interest - encouraged by society’s focus on power. Then something in life knocks us down into the valley of life and if we are able, we evolve into the “Second Mountain” way of being. ⁣

He goes deep into the forces that drove us to the crisis of individualism. The 1960s ethos that grew into the culture of achievement, lessening the value of community and impact. ⁣ ⁣⁣I love history and especially found his data on this fascinating.

He observes we are drowning in freedom. People are going from the most structured childhood in history to being thrown into the most unstructured adulthood. #yolo #fomo - has lead to people wandering with no idea who they are or what they actually want out of life. ⁣⁣

He compares life choices to quicksand and how we just sink into them instead of actively analyzing and deciding accordingly. Let that one sink in - think back to how many times you’ve just found yourself down a path you have no memory of making purposeful decisions to be in - this one hit home!

I love sociology and this book allows us to think through how our current society was shaped and what we can do to become a more collective, engaged, empathic humanity. ⁣ ⁣⁣

I loved this book so much. Great last minute gift - for a birthday, graduation, etc. Have you read it? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!