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

Length: 5 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's summary

Bloomsbury presents From Strength to Strength by Arthur C. Brooks, read by Arthur C. Brooks.

From the best-selling author and columnist behind The Atlantic’s popular How to Build a Life series, a guide to transforming the life changes we fear into a source of strength.

In the first half of life, ambitious strivers embrace a simple formula for success in work and life: focus single-mindedly, work tirelessly, sacrifice personally and climb the ladder relentlessly.

It works. Until it doesn’t.

It turns out the second half of life is governed by different rules. In middle age, many strivers begin to find success coming harder and harder, rewards less satisfying and family relationships withering. In response, they do what strivers always do: they double down on work in an attempt to outrun decline and weakness, and deny the changes that are becoming more and more obvious. The result is often anger, fear and disappointment at a time in life that they imagined would be full of joy, fulfilment and pride.

It doesn’t have to be that way. In From Strength to Strength, happiness expert and best-selling author Arthur C. Brooks reveals a path to beating the “striver’s curse”. Drawing on science, classical philosophy, theology- and history, he shares counterintuitive strategies for releasing old habits and forming new life practises, showing you how to:

• Kick the habits of workaholism, success addiction and self-objectification
• Meditate on death - in order to beat fear and live well
• Start a spiritual adventure
• Embrace weakness in a way that turns it into strength

Change in your life is inevitable, but suffering is not. From Strength to Strength shows you how to accept the gifts of the second half of life with grace, joy and ever deepening purpose.

©2022 Arthur C. Brooks (P)2022 Penguin Random House LLC

Critic reviews

"In this book, Arthur C. Brooks helps people find greater happiness as they age and change." (The Dalai Lama)

"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)

"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)

Thank You

Thank you to Arthur C Brooks, the Man on the Plane and Simon Sinek

The man on the plane

The man in the plane storyline. This is an important book of understanding life transitions and embracing them. Very well written and highly recommended

Great book for anyone navigating middle age

This book is week researched, interesting and not too long. My husband and I listened together and are already making changes in our lives, both work and home,
as 50 approaches.

Insights and Life strategy galore

I am not a typical striver, but someone who takes personal development seriously.
I loved this book, and will use it's wisdom and advice forever...

I loved this book.

This is a wonderful book to work through as you get older. it's on my list to re read.

“Transformational”

Great book! A must-read and implement. Listened to it and bought it in paper to have at hand. Mr. Brook’s advice is profound and grounded in science and philosophy. I want to thank him for his commitment and coherence in “walking the talk”

Really enjoyed this book

Really enjoyed this book & hope I can put into action it’s lessons. I’d recommend it.

Superficial

A good job done in identifying major challenges most people face as they age. However, the solutions are a bit superficial with no real depth.