From Strength to Strength

Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life

By: Arthur C. Brooks

Narrated by: Arthur C. Brooks

INSTANT #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

The roadmap for finding purpose, meaning, and success as we age, from bestselling author, Harvard professor, and the Atlantic's happiness columnist Arthur Brooks.

Many of us assume that the more successful we are, the less susceptible we become to the sense of professional and social irrelevance that often accompanies aging. But the truth is, the greater our achievements and our attachment to them, the more we notice our decline, and the more painful it is when it occurs.

What can we do, starting now, to make our older years a time of happiness, purpose, and yes, success?

At the height of his career at the age of 50, Arthur Brooks embarked on a seven-year journey to discover how to transform his future from one of disappointment over waning abilities into an opportunity for progress. From Strength to Strength is the result, a practical roadmap for the rest of your life.

Drawing on social science, philosophy, biography, theology, and eastern wisdom, as well as dozens of interviews with everyday men and women, Brooks shows us that true life success is well within our reach. By refocusing on certain priorities and habits that anyone can learn, such as deep wisdom, detachment from empty rewards, connection and service to others, and spiritual progress, we can set ourselves up for increased happiness.

Read this book and you, too, can go from strength to strength.

Critic reviews

“To the overachievers, success addicts, and tired strivers who are fairly confident you can’t keep it up forever but will try anyway—this book is for you. Arthur Brooks shows you it’s possible to build a life that really does get better with age.” —Simon Sinek, optimist and author of Start with Why and The Infinite Game

“From Strength to Strength is a wise and inspiring guide to reimagining the rest of your life. If you’re a striver tired of striving, this remarkable book is for you.” —Daniel H. Pink, author of Drive, When, and A Whole New Mind

“Brooks appears to have a clear strategy here: first he horrifies you, then he bucks you up. An alternate title for this book could be The Good News About Your Inevitable Decline. Most of us strivers believe we can keep racing until we run out of road. Arthur is trying to save us pain and maximize our contributions to the species. Every ambitious person should read this.” —Dan Harris, author and former ABC News anchor

“Arthur Brooks is one of my very favorite thinkers. Witty, wise, and insatiably curious, he is one of the few intellectuals who can reliably weave scientific research and everyday observations into what we all really need: succinct advice for a good life.” —Angela Duckworth, founder and CEO of Character Lab and author of Grit

“In this sparkling book, Arthur Brooks considers one of the oldest and deepest questions in the spiritual tradition, namely, how to navigate the tricky waters that separate the first and second halves of life. I found inspiration and hope literally on every page.” —Bishop Robert Barron, founder of Word on Fire Catholic Ministries and auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles

“From Strength to Strength offers real answers to timeless questions about happiness and progress: How can I be happier? How can I have more meaning in life? What is the most important thing to me right now and why?” —Eric Schmidt, former chairman and CEO of Google

Enlightening look at aging

I enjoyed this book very much and will listen to it several times. It’s the kind of book where I wish I had a paper copy and a highlighter pen. It is relevant to me in my 70’s since I am a late bloomer in many ways. I love it when writers do their research in order for me to have a lightbulb moment:)

Life Changing

Grateful for Arthur’s deep wisdom and willingness to share. I feel like I’ve been with a guru for the next leg of my journey.

Good concept

The book provides a practical view on how to transition from a career into retirement while maintaining self worth

Just what I was looking for

I was glad to hear that I am well on my way of having an even better second half of my life.

Wonderful book with inner strength

I really like this book as it’s authentic and simple. It’s about the inner strength and the author has done a great job emphasizing on we have to make the right choice in different stages of our lives and live life happily and purposefully. Short stories and analogies are very helpful.