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  • 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
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (106 ratings)

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From Strength to Strength cover art

From Strength to Strength

By: Arthur C. Brooks
Narrated by: Arthur C. Brooks
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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)

What listeners say about From Strength to Strength

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Great story & formula. Too much religion

Great story & formula. Too much religion, which muddied the message for me. Overall worth the listen

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Don’t miss out

Don’t miss out on the wisdom in this book if you are to find contentment as you age

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Seven words at the end

Best summary I’ve ever read in 7 words! I’m sure that I’ll listen again . We all get to that point in life and this book gives us tools and thought processes to navigate our transition in middle age. Its relatable and feels true. I never imagined that this was even a ‘thing’ , thanks Arthur for sharing your research and wisdom. I want to pass it on too. Love.

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Thought Provoking

My partner and I listened to this together, a great conversation starter! We look forward to JUMPING into the second part of our lives and will use the things we invest in, love and embrace the people we value and find solitude in long walks of gratitude.

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What I’d hoped

I found this book timely in my late 60’s for transitioning to my now moment on a quest to seeking joy.
Thank you. Ps119:105

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A change in paradigm

Arthur C. Brooks has provided a paradigm shift towards the way I think about my career and the future. I'm more at peace with the next steps and how I will finish my time being of service to others in my career. Oh, I turned 50 last year, so I was anxious about the future. After listening to Strength to Strength, life is good again.

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Good stories and solid research

Loved the stories, simplicity and strength of the research. An essential read for anyone in a life transition!

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Great book, loved it.

Loved this. I’m a 46 year old and came across this book via a mentor who suggested I read it. I can say it was perfect timing for me. I can identify with the mid-life decline and truly appreciate the effort that the author has gone to to research and understand this poignant transitional period. I can only hope I have the same patience and determination to hit my second curve!

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Slow Start but worth it!!!

I found the start of this book… Probably the first 3rd to be honest, quite depressing, and seemed to be labouring a point.

But the second half was wonderful, and I took away much from it. Having experienced a lot, of what was spoken about, 10 years ago, at 50, and now living my happiest, most fulfilled and purposeful life I do recognise myself in these words, and am also excited and open to what evolves in the next few decades. I’m sure to listen to the latter chapters again!

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A pleasant surprise

Enjoyed this immensely, learned a lot and found it both inspirational and comforting. Ageing can actually be exciting.

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