We live in a culture of hyper-individualism.
-- David Brooks (Introduction )

Importance: Brooks sees hyper-individualism as leading people astray and keeping them on the unsatisfying "First Mountain" when most people need a culture of relationship so they can become "Second Mountain" people of commitment and giving.

What is freedom for?
-- David Brooks (chapter 1)

Importance: Brooks sees much of early life as focused on motion and achievement and hostile to reflection and deliberation; he sees this question as inevitable and necessary so people can begin to understand why they are moving, achieving and working.

The Big Swim to Nowhere”
-- David Brooks (chapter 2)

Importance: Brooks is especially concerned with young people who have energy and idealism; he sees that they are being misdirected to swim, and swim and swim, though they know not where. Is this the Big Swim to Nowhere or motion for motion's sake?

At the moment when you are most confused … Pick yourself up and go out alone into the wilderness.
-- David Brooks (chapter 5)

Importance: Brooks...