A pragmatic and heartfelt manual on the art of truly understanding others to nurture deeper connections in various aspects of life—from the acclaimed author of The Road to Character and The Second Mountain.
According to David Brooks, “There is a vital skill crucial to the well-being of individuals, families, schools, and community organizations—seeing others deeply and making them feel seen, valued, heard, and understood.”
However, this is an area where we, as humans, often fall short. Many individuals around us feel invisible, overlooked, or misunderstood. In How to Know a Person, Brooks endeavors to assist us in improving, posing pivotal questions: What type of attention should we direct toward others to truly understand them? What conversations are essential? Which aspects of their narrative deserve our focus?
Driven by his inherent curiosity and his personal commitment to growth, Brooks draws from psychology, neuroscience, theater, philosophy, history, and education to present an inclusive and optimistic approach to human connection. How to Know a Person aims to foster greater empathy and consideration towards others, ultimately leading to the fulfillment derived from genuine recognition. Moreover, it offers a potential remedy for the societal issues of division, hostility, and misinterpretation.
The act of truly seeing another person, Brooks contends, is profoundly transformative. How can we gaze into someone’s eyes and perceive their greatness, thereby recognizing something larger within ourselves? How to Know a Person is a guide for those seeking meaningful connections and longing to be truly understood.
