summary ofThe Second MountainBook by David Brooks

first KEY POINT

The secret of two mountains

Every time David Brooks meets people who are always joyous and delighted about small pleasures, he begins to wonder how they came to be that way. He sees that their disposition is not a result of their perfection—they also get exhausted and stressed at times. However, they have learned to live for others and not themselves and have made commitments to family and loved ones. They understand why they are on earth, and their satisfaction is traced to a knowledge of this purpose. Although things can be difficult for them too, they have decided to pay attention to others. These people have decided to live on the second mountain.David Brooks believes that every human being takes the shape of two mountains. The first mountain is individualism—where people are self-centered, and the second mountain is relation and commitment centered. The focus of people that dwell at the first mountain is reputation management; they are looking for ways to be successful, enjoy personal happiness, and be valued in society. Having gotten to the peak, some of the first mountain dwellers will realize that it is unsatisfying. They will take time out to meditate on a more profound journey to take. Others who failed in the pursuit of the apex of the first mountain also take time out to seek an alternative. Amid these mediations and sufferings, they discover the second mountain. The second mountain is characterized by relationships and intimacy, at this point, your focus shifts to others and not you.

In this summary, you will learn how people migrate from the first to the second mountain. You will also be exposed to different ways to build a second mountain mentality.