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

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.

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

©2021 Arthur Brooks (P)2021 Penguin Audio

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

Truly Enlightening

I recommend this book to all my friends now. It is a roadmap to finding your way to a meaningful second, third or fourth act in this thing we call life.

Immensely helpful for getting a mental grip on life transitions such as becoming an empty nester and retiring

This book came at just the right time in my life. My daughter had finished school and was embarking on her own career. I found myself an empty nester living in a location where I didn’t know anyone and feeling isolated especially since Covid had closed down any venue for making new friends. So i pondered what’s next and this book helped affirm some of the decisions I was contemplating for the next phase of my life. This was a very gratifying listen.

The next chapter

I loved the positive message of moving from one stage of life to another with grace and strength. I will use this as a guide while moving from one intelligence to the next. Thanks Arthur!

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I’m a self-help book junkie !! The 2nd half of this book is a game changer… you totally rethink what’s the most important while you still have time… IM LOOKING FORWARD TO EMBRACING AND ENHANCING MY SECOND CURVE !!!

Lovely book with deep meaning

I know I’ll be recommending this book to friends and family for years to come. Liked it so much that I’ll likely also buy the paperback to read and highlight. I just turned forty and this book hit me right when I needed it! What a gift!

Excellent listen

Could not put this one away! Extremely insightful, thoughtful and full of wisdom. Not just for those at the midlife transition.

Great Book!!!

I really enjoyed this book, It has great message. All the information the author provides and the amount of detail really makes you think deep into life, Where you are? Where are you going? What have you accomplished? and set your priorities for the future. I definitely recommend this book.

Straightforward and insightful

Great to know that there is a path to continuing to be engaged and productive.

Must read

Inspirational quotes are great. But where’s the proof. This book will explain our natural tendencies and weaknesses through research as we pass through the phases of our life and lead us to true self fulfillment and happiness.

Perfect timing…

Highly recommended for anyone north of 40 who has enjoyed a fulfilling career. A must read…