The Second Mountain

Introduction

David Brooks, a long-time New York Times columnist, argues that many people climb a 'first mountain' of career, status and personal success, only to find it unsatisfying. The Second Mountain, published in 2019, describes a second climb toward commitment, community and service.

Brooks draws on his own life, including a divorce and loneliness, and stories of people who found meaning.

Who should read this book?

People in mid-life questioning success, readers seeking meaning, and anyone interested in community and commitment.

Helps with: Find purpose and direction

The central message

A deep life comes from commitments to others: vocation, family, philosophy or faith, and community.

Key ideas and concepts

1. The first mountain

   The climb most people start on: building a career, reputation and personal happiness.

2. The valley

   Failure, loss or suffering often knocks people off the first mountain and into a period of searching.

3. The second mountain

   A life of commitment to others, where joy comes from giving yourself away.

4. The four commitments

   Brooks identifies four: to a vocation, to a spouse and family, to a philosophy or faith, and to a community.

5. Relationalism

   He argues for a culture that puts relationships, not individual achievement, at the centre.

Deeper analysis

The Second Mountain is thoughtful, well written and a meaningful counterpoint to individualistic self-help. Brooks draws on his own experience of divorce and loneliness, and on stories of people who found purpose in service and community. The four commitments offer a useful lens for assessing where meaning comes from in your own life.

The section on Brooks's personal religious journey won't resonate with all readers, and some find the book long and occasionally preachy. Its critique of hyper-individualism is broad and sometimes sweeping. Still, it's a rich reflection on what makes life deep.

Practical applications

• Reflect on which mountain you're on.
• Identify your four commitments.
• Serve your community.
• Deepen a relationship.
• Reflect on a valley experience.

Your 7-day action plan

1. Day 1

   Reflect on what your 'first mountain' has been.

2. Day 2

   Identify a valley experience that changed you.

3. Day 3

   Write your four commitments: vocation, family, philosophy and community.

4. Day 4

   Serve someone without expecting anything back.

5. Day 5

   Deepen one relationship with an honest conversation.

6. Day 6

   Reflect on your vocation and whether it feels like a calling.

7. Day 7

   Write one step toward your second mountain.

Outcomes to expect

What readers who apply this book can realistically take away from it:

• Clarity about your deepest commitments
• A shift from self-focus to service
• Stronger connection to community
• A richer sense of meaning

Strengths and limitations

Reflection questions

1. Which mountain are you on?
2. What are your commitments?
3. What valley shaped you?
4. How could you serve others?

Related books

• Man's Search for MeaningViktor E. Frankl

  Man's Search for Meaning

  Viktor E. Frankl

  Meaning.

• Tuesdays with MorrieMitch Albom

  Tuesdays with Morrie

  Mitch Albom

  Life lessons.

• MeditationsMarcus Aurelius

  Meditations

  Marcus Aurelius

  The private journal of a Roman emperor on staying steady when life is hard.

• The Four AgreementsDon Miguel Ruiz

  The Four Agreements

  Don Miguel Ruiz

  Four simple promises to yourself that can free you from a lot of unhappiness.

Part of the reading path: Find Greater Purpose

About the author

Book details (title, author, year) are factual. Everything under the headings above is MindsetProdigy's own editorial analysis and interpretation, written to help you decide whether to read the book and how to apply it. It is not a substitute for reading the book itself. Last updated September 29, 2026.