From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life

by Arthur C. Brooks

“Maybe I would prefer to be special rather than happy.”

Noble Truth 1. Life is suffering (dukkha in Sanskrit), due to chronic dissatisfaction. Noble Truth 2. The cause of this suffering is craving, desire, and attachment for worldly things. Noble Truth 3. Suffering can be defeated by eliminating this craving, desire, and attachment. Noble Truth 4. The way to eliminate craving, desire, and attachment is by following the magga, the Noble Eightfold Path of Buddhism.

Satisfaction = What you have ÷ what you want

“He has most who needs least. Don’t create needs for yourself.”[19]

contemplate these questions: If I had one year left in my career and my life, how would I structure this coming month? What would be on my to-do list? What would I choose not to worry about?

good relationships keep us happier and healthier.

“Solitude expresses the glory of being alone, whereas loneliness expresses the pain of feeling alone.”[9]

regularly write out a list of the people with whom I need a stronger relationship. Then I list next to each of them what they need from me that only I can provide. For example, there are things that only I can do for my wife. There are some things only I can do for my adult children. When those things are neglected, relationships starve.

Organizational leaders are happier—and perceived as more effective by their subordinates—when they are vulnerable and human.[8] Conversely, people who are defensive or aloof reduce trust among those they lead, are unhappier, and are less effective as a result.[9]

At the nexus of enjoyable and meaningful is interesting.

Use things. Love people. Worship the divine.