Book: How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen – David Brooks
Worth the Read: Yes
Insights: My bias is I tend to value Mr. Brooks perspectives. I found enjoyment from reading his book The Second Mountain and the Road to Character. I don’t think my mental state was as focused as I worked through this book.
The general premise is to talk to people and ask them about their story. People generally open up when they discuss trying periods of life. People come into situations with bias and we need to understand the power struggle even if it’s unintentional. He was opposed to Myers-Briggs personality assessments and favored the big five. The concerns he brought up were the increase in American Social isolation, which as primarily amplified by the pandemic. We are spending less time with other people and this is making our society unhappy.
Other reviews I looked at commented that it seemed to be a more practical guide on seeing other people and being seen, and I didn’t really feel like the book accomplished that purpose. I think Dale Carnige’s book how to Win Friends and Influence People was a much more practical book.
I think this is worth a read or listen, even if it’s just a reminder to engage in social relationships because this is what really matters in this life.
Seeking Progress 