Transition from self-focused achievements to selflessness is key for a meaningful life.
Western culture's individualistic values impact societal well-being and relationships.
Commitments to relationships, vocation, philosophy, faith, and community foster character development and purpose.
Deep dives
The Concept of Two Mountains in Life
David Brooks presents the idea of two mountains in life: the first mountain focuses on achievements like career success and materialistic gains, while the second mountain emphasizes selflessness, relationships, and finding meaning beyond the self. Brooks highlights the shift from the first mountain of individual accomplishments to the second mountain of meaningful contributions to others and reveals that real fulfillment comes from commitments outside of oneself.
Challenging the Notions of Individualism
Brooks discusses how Western societies, influenced by individualism, prioritize self-satisfaction, leading to increased loneliness, anxiety, and societal divisions. He explains the historical roots of individualistic values and how they have shaped modern culture, impacting trust, relationships, and overall well-being.
The Role of Adversity and Commitments in Character Formation
Brooks shares personal experiences and insights on character building, emphasizing the role of adversity in shaping individuals. He highlights the importance of making commitments to causes beyond oneself, such as relationships, vocation, philosophy, and faith, as fundamental in developing character and leading a purposeful life.
Fostering Meaningful Relationships and Community
Brooks advocates for building strong communities by organizing events that promote interaction and connection among individuals. He underscores the significance of communal engagement, such as hosting dinners, book clubs, or charity initiatives, in creating a supportive social fabric where individuals care for and contribute to their neighborhoods and broader society.
The Power of Faith, Philosophy, and Intellectual Growth
Brooks highlights the transformative power of faith, philosophy, and intellectual exploration in guiding individuals towards a meaningful life. He shares how engaging with profound works of literature and philosophy can cultivate emotional depth, refine moral values, and foster a sense of joy, leading to a deeper understanding of oneself and the world.
Building Habits, Establishing Commitments, and Finding Joy
In his discussion of commitments to marriage, vocation, philosophy, faith, and community, Brooks emphasizes the importance of establishing habits around love and building structures of behavior rooted in commitments. He stresses the value of community support, the significance of meaningful relationships, and the pursuit of joy through selfless actions and connections with others, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and purpose-driven existence.
Note: This is a rebroadcast. This episode originally aired June 2019.
Do you ever feel like you’re spinning your existential wheels in life? That outwardly, you seem to be doing ok, but inwardly, you feel kind of empty?
My guest today would say that you’ve got to move on from trekking up life’s first mountain, to begin a journey up its second. His name is David Brooks and he’s the author of The Second Mountain: The Quest for a Moral Life. In that book, David makes the case that there are two mountains that we climb in life: The first is about the self — getting a college degree, starting a career, buying a home, and making your mark on the world. But at some point, that mountain starts to feel unfulfilling. That’s when we discover there’s a second mountain to ascend — a path of selflessness, relationships, and greater meaning.
Today on the show, David tells us what he got wrong in his previous book, The Road to Character, and how The Second Mountain expands the vision of the good life. We then discuss why the first mountain of life gets more attention in the West and how the hyper individualism it encourages has led to an increase in loneliness, anxiety, and existential angst. David then walks us through how we shift courses from the first mountain of achievement to the second mountain of meaning by making commitments to things outside of ourselves. We then discuss the four commitments he thinks bring us real meaning and significance, and how we can seek and find them.
Show Highlights
How this new book serves as a correction to TheRoad to Character
Lies that culture tells us about becoming moral (and happy)
The social history of our country’s individualism
The downsides of this individualism
The rise of tribalism
Why David is optimistic about how people are using social media
The wrong ways that people look for meaning and significance
The first mountain vs. the second mountain of life
How do commitments give life meaning and bring us joy?
