The Second Mountain: The Quest for a Moral Life
The Second Mountain: The Quest for a Moral Life is David Brooks’s exploration of how commitment to family, vocation, faith or philosophy, and community can shape a meaningful life. It suits readers interested in purpose and social connection, though customer feedback notes that some of the material can feel technical.
At a glance
- Explores four commitments: spouse and family, vocation, philosophy or faith, and community.
- Frames meaning as a shift from self-centred goals towards interdependence and commitment.
- Combines personal reflections on purpose with commentary on individualism and social solidarity.
Reference price: $30.99
Price checked: Nov 13, 2026
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Pros and cons
Pros
- The four-commitment structure gives readers a clear framework for considering purpose and relationships.
- Customer feedback describes the book as thought-provoking and informative.
Cons
- Some customers find parts of the material somewhat technical.
Technical specifications
8 specifications| Publisher | Random House Trade Paperbacks |
|---|---|
| Publication date | May 26 2020 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 384 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0812983424 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0812983425 |
| Weight listed | 1.05 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 13.06 x 2.03 x 20.35 cm |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers reflecting on purpose, commitment, and life direction.
- People interested in connections among family, vocation, faith or philosophy, and community.
- Readers looking for social commentary on individualism and communal ties.
Less suited to
- Readers seeking a short, purely practical checklist rather than an extended discussion of meaning and commitment.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
63% 63% - 4 stars
21% 21% - 3 stars
12% 12% - 2 stars
3% 3% - 1 star
1% 1%
Customer feedback characterizes the book as thought-provoking and interesting, with readers also praising its content and information. Some find the material a bit technical, so readers seeking an accessible introduction may want to keep that reaction in mind. The reported strengths align with the book’s broad discussion of purpose and commitment, rather than indicating a purely practical guide.
Positive themes
- Customers describe the book as thought-provoking and interesting.
- Some readers praise its content and consider it worth their time.
Mixed feedback
- Feedback is mixed on how accessible the material feels, with some readers noting that parts are a bit technical.
Frequently asked questions
What is The Second Mountain about?
David Brooks presents a framework in which a meaningful life grows through commitments to family, vocation, philosophy or faith, and community.
Is this book mainly personal guidance or social commentary?
The listing describes both: it discusses choosing and integrating personal commitments and argues that deeper commitment can help repair weakened social ties.
How long is the listed edition?
The listing gives a print length of 384 pages.
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