Author: Arthur C. Brooks

“From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life” by Arthur C. Brooks is a guide for those seeking fulfillment and purpose as they age. Here’s a detailed summary and some reviews:

Summary

Arthur C. Brooks, a Harvard professor and columnist for The Atlantic, explores how to find happiness and purpose in the later stages of life. The book is structured around several key themes:

1. The Striver’s Curse: Brooks discusses the phenomenon where high achievers often feel a sense of decline and irrelevance as they age. He argues that the more successful we are, the more we notice our decline, making it more painful.

2. Transition from Fluid to Crystallized Intelligence: Brooks explains the shift from fluid intelligence (problem-solving and innovative thinking) to crystallized intelligence (wisdom and knowledge) as we age. He suggests that embracing this shift can lead to greater satisfaction.

3. Detachment from Empty Rewards: The book emphasizes the importance of detaching from the pursuit of external rewards and focusing on intrinsic values like relationships, service, and spiritual growth.

4. Building a Life of Service: Brooks advocates for a life centered around serving others, which he believes leads to deeper happiness and fulfillment.

5. Spiritual Progress: The book also touches on the role of spirituality in finding purpose and meaning in life.

Reviews

Positive Reviews:

• Insightful and Practical: Many readers appreciate the blend of social science, philosophy, and personal anecdotes. They find Brooks’ advice practical and applicable to their own lives¹.
• Encouraging and Uplifting: The book is often described as encouraging, providing a hopeful outlook on aging and the potential for continued growth and happiness².
• Well-Researched: Readers commend the thorough research and the integration of various disciplines, making the book a comprehensive guide to aging gracefully³.

Critical Reviews:

• Repetitive: Some readers feel that the book can be repetitive, with certain concepts being reiterated multiple times4.
• Overly Idealistic: A few critics argue that Brooks’ advice, while well-intentioned, may come off as overly idealistic and not entirely practical for everyone5.

Overall, “From Strength to Strength” is well-received for its thoughtful approach to aging and its practical advice on finding happiness and purpose in the second half of life. If you’re interested in personal development and aging gracefully, this book might be a valuable read.

Source:
(1) From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose …. https://www.amazon.com/Strength-Finding-Success-Happiness-Purpose/dp/059319148X.
(2) From Strength to Strength – Arthur Brooks. https://arthurbrooks.com/from-strength-to-strength.
(3) From Strength to Strength : Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep …. https://books.google.com/books/about/From_Strength_to_Strength.html?id=1SSOEAAAQBAJ.
(4) From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness and Deep Purpose …. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Strength-Finding-Success-Happiness-Purpose/dp/1472989775.
(5) From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness,. https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/58100575-from-strength-to-strength.