Includes bibliographical references (pages 317-327) and index.
Formatted Contents Note:
Part I. The two mountains -- Moral ecologies -- The Instagram life -- The insecure overachiever -- The valley -- The wilderness -- Heart and soul -- The committed life -- The second mountain -- The four commitments -- Part II. Vocation -- What vocation looks like -- The annunciation moment -- What mentors do -- Vampire problems -- Mastery -- Part III. Marriage -- The maximum marriage -- The stages of intimacy I -- The stages of intimacy II -- The marriage decision -- Marriage: the school you build together -- Part IV. Philosophy and faith -- Intellectual commitments -- Religious commitment -- A most unexpected turn of events -- Ramps and walls -- Part V. Community -- The stages of community building I -- The stages of community building II -- Conclusion: the relationalist manifesto.
Summary, etc.:
Conservative columnist David Brooks explores the four commitments that define a life of meaning and purpose: to a spouse and family, to a vocation, to a philosophy or faith, and to a community. Our personal fulfillment depends on how well we choose and execute these commitments. Brooks looks at a range of people who have lived joyous, committed lives, and who have embraced the necessity and beauty of dependence. He gathers their wisdom on how to choose a partner, how to pick a vocation, how to live out a philosophy, and how we can begin to integrate our commitments into one overriding purpose.