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The Second Mountain

The Quest for a Moral Life

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The Second Mountain

Written by: David Brooks
Narrated by: Arthur Morey
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Penguin presents the audiobook edition of The Secnd Mountain, written by David Brooks, read by Arthur Morey.

Are you on your first or second mountain?
Is life about you - or others?
About success - or something deeper?

The world tells us that we should pursue our self-interest: career wins, high status, nice things. These are the goals of our first mountain. But at some point in our lives we might find that we're not interested in what other people tell us to want. We want the things that are truly worth wanting.

This is the second mountain.

What does it mean to look beyond yourself and find a moral cause? To forget about independence and discover dependence - to be utterly enmeshed in a web of warm relationships? What does it mean to value intimacy, devotion, responsibility and commitment above individual freedom? In The Second Mountain David Brooks explores the meaning and possibilities that scaling a second mountain offer us, and the four commitments that most commonly move us there: family, vocation, philosophy and community. Inspiring, personal and full of joy, this book will help you discover why you were really put on this earth.

 Philosophy Self-Help Social Theory Society Sociology Success
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Critic Reviews

Potentially life-changing lessons can be found in this relevant and thought-provoking book.
Brooks's best book yet ... Powerful ... His stirring new book is a self-help guide to escaping the prison of self. (Oliver Burkeman)
Enormously comforting and galvanising ... a better way to live
Across more than 300 pages of heartfelt prose, Brooks reworks [the meaning of life] into a neat story . . . Brooks' willingness to be "a little vulnerable" results in a refreshing honest confession . . . There's no top-of-the-mountain moment . . . just a friendly, gentle nudging toward the conclusion that real joy lies in moral commitment.
The book overall, candid about the reality of stress and failure in the author's life, has earned the right to put forward with equal candour the experience of finding, or being found by, faith. (Rowan Williams)
All stars
Most relevant
it's said that if you only read facts you lose touch with softer aspect of life. this book brought back tear smile back to my life and help me set priorities right and being in touch with myself.

brought me to recommittitng to life

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If you've been thinking about life and your role in it, this'll prove worthy of your time

It's an insightful read

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wonderful listening . Joy and Compassion . Moral Outlook . Can Listen again to revoke goodness

Finding Vocation

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Listening to The Second Mountain as an audiobook is a thoughtful and rewarding experience. The book explores the idea that true fulfillment comes not from personal achievement alone, but from commitment to family, community, purpose, and faith. The audiobook's narration complements the reflective tone of the writing, making the personal stories and philosophical insights feel engaging and accessible. It encourages listeners to pause and consider what gives their own lives lasting meaning.

While the book can feel repetitive at times and some ideas may resonate more strongly with certain audiences than others, its central message is both timely and inspiring. Rather than offering quick self-help solutions, it invites deep reflection on character, relationships, and service. Overall, The Second Mountain is a compelling audiobook for anyone interested in personal growth, purpose, and living a life centered on meaningful commitments.

The narrator was clear as regards his phonetics but somehow I got tired listening him

Repetitive, too long but still worth it

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