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From Strength to Strength

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

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About this listen

Bloomsbury presents From Strength to Strength written and read by Arthur C. Brooks.

THE #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

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

'This book is amazing' – Chris Evans

'A valuable guide to finding new purpose and success in later life' – Daily Mail

From the bestselling 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.

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 bestselling author Arthur C. Brooks reveals a path to beating the 'striver’s curse.' Drawing on science, classical philosophy, theology and history, he shares strategies for releasing old habits and forming new life practices, 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
Adulthood & Aging Developmental Psychology Personal Development Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Inspiring Success Habits

Critic reviews

"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)

All stars
Most relevant
I found this to be an enjoyable and thought-provoking book. It focused my attention on the subject and got me thinking, as well as giving some useful real world examples and actionable advice.

Worth listening to - thought provoking

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I'm 61, so feel like I've missed out on a lot of the opportunities but will nevertheless be making significant changes.

I love the fact that the author explains where the research comes from, advises on its credibility and even admits when there is no hard data worthy of the name and assumptions are being made.

This should be required reading at school as well as for parents. Politicians would also benefit so they'd no longer be ignorantly complicit in the relentless abuse on the health of large swathes of the population.

Fabulous and a must read for parents

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This will go down as a modern classic. I learned so much about myself and what I must to in the future.

Absolutely amazing, so enlightening.

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Binge listened in one sitting over a weekend and found the content and delivery perfect.
Always prefer the author narrating their own work as they know it best, Arthur C Brooks is no exception in making the book come to life and give added meaning to the text.
Well researched and relevant to me at my stage of life, very much appreciated and highly recommend to those at a certain stage of life feeling confused and conflicted!
Will be heeding much of the advice and suggestions. Thank you.

Brilliant in every way!

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Aside from the unnecessary faith aspects, this is insightful and practical. Personally timeous. Of particular poignance is to be honest about eulogy virtues - not that you’ll be here but what would you like to hear about your life.

Eulogy virtues 🤔

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