What Next? cover image

What Next?

Aging, Climbing the Second Mountain and the Locus of Internal Meaning

Jan 25, 2025
Seth Green, Dean of the University of Chicago Graham School, discusses the art of navigating career transitions with a focus on lifelong learning and purpose. He emphasizes moving from the 'first mountain' of material success to a 'second mountain' shaped by personal values. Green highlights the evolution of education in response to longer lifespans and stresses the importance of joy over financial gains. He advocates for pursuing passions and maintaining healthy relationships as key to personal fulfillment in an ever-changing world.
41:35

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Quick takeaways

  • Emphasizing lifelong learning and transformative educational experiences can equip individuals to transition meaningfully into their second careers with aligned values.
  • Transitioning from the first to the second career mountain requires redefining success from material wealth to pursuing joy and personal fulfillment.

Deep dives

The Evolution of Lifelong Learning

Lifelong learning has become essential in today’s fast-paced world, where the half-life of knowledge is rapidly decreasing due to technological advancements. The Graham School at the University of Chicago emphasizes extending educational opportunities to individuals from all walks of life, encouraging them to engage with a timeless liberal arts curriculum. This approach helps students deepen their cognitive abilities while exploring significant societal issues, ultimately preparing them for meaningful contributions in various fields. The school aims to offer transformative learning experiences, particularly through the Leadership and Society Initiative, which guides individuals seeking purpose and direction in their second chapter of life.

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