8 Comments

Great review, Joel. I loved this book and have now bought several copies for others. It really resonated with me.

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I’m glad I read it—perfect timing for me, actually. Had I read this ten years ago, it wouldn’t have resonated. I found that tension between the activities that help us shift to the second wave and the allure of money, power, pleasure, and prestige pretty fascinating. If we pursue those we end up losing everything because we’re banking on diminishing returns.

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If you had to choose out of this one and the four that pair with it, which would you choose?

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That’s hard to answer. If you resonate with the points made in the review, then Brooks’ book is the one to start with. It’s really excellent.

Burgis and Roberts both have a lot to do with understanding our real wants and desires. I thought that paired well with Brooks because often we’re running hard after things that are lesser desires.

The Setiya books are both excellent for what they do. Midlife looks at midlife crisis through a philosophical lens and Life is Hard looks at suffering through the same lens. They all have echoes and resonances with each other.

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Thanks! My husband has been going through a midlife crisis of sorts so I was thinking about picking one up for him.

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Brooks and Setiya’s Midlife could both be helpful.

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Another great review! Just purchased, and will need to add a budget category for "Books Joel Recommended."

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LOL. Glad you like the review. I bet you’ll love the book!

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