The second mountain : the quest for a moral life / David Brooks

Part I: The two mountains. Moral ecologies ; The Instagram life ; The insecure overachiever ; The valley ; The wilderness ; Heart and soul ; The committed life ; The second mountain -- The four commitments -- Part II: Vocation. What vocation looks like ; The annunciation moment ; What mentors do ; Vampire problems ; Mastery -- Part III: Marriage. The maximum marriage ; The stages of intimacy ; The marriage decision ; Marriage : the school you build together -- Part IV. Philosophy and faith. Intellectual commitments ; Religious commitment ; A most unexpected turn of events ; Ramps and walls -- Part V: Community. The stages of community building -- Conclusion: The Relationalist Manifesto.

Conservative columnist David Brooks explores the four commitments that define a life of meaning and purpose: to a spouse and family, to a vocation, to a philosophy or faith, and to a community. Our personal fulfillment depends on how well we choose and execute these commitments. Brooks looks at a range of people who have lived joyous, committed lives, and who have embraced the necessity and beauty of dependence. He gathers their wisdom on how to choose a partner, how to pick a vocation, how to live out a philosophy, and how we can begin to integrate our commitments into one overriding purpose.

English