On this episode, we discuss why we use the term "mountain" when discussing the idea of the "in between" the first and second mountain.

The first mountain is the mountain of individual freedom: it is the mountain of autonomy and action, of personal happiness and independence. The second mountain, on the other hand, is the mountain of commitment: it is the mountain of moral joy and meaning, the mountain of giving and interdependence.

The goals on that first mountain are the normal goals that our culture endorses, to be a success, to be well thought of, to get invited into the right social circles, and to experience personal happiness. It’s all the normal stuff: nice home, nice family, nice vacations, good food, good friends, and so on.

No matter how you succeed on the first mountain, you come to the valley, or what is called "the middle passage." From there, you don't necessarily begin the second mountain journey, but you are offered that opportunity.

You don't climb the second mountain the way you climb the first mountain. You conquer your first mountain. You identify the summit and you claw your way toward it. You are conquered by your second mountain.

David Brooks explores the four commitments that define a life of meaning and purpose: to a spouse and family, to a vocation, to a philosophy or faith, and to a community. Our personal fulfillment depends on how well we choose and execute these commitments. Brooks looks at a range of people who have lived joyous, committed lives, and who have embraced the necessity of dependence. He gathers their wisdom on how to choose a partner, how to pick a vocation, how to live out a philosophy, and how we can begin to integrate our commitments into one overriding purpose.

Time Stamps:

The provisional personality in midlife. 1:37

James hollis, a life of meaning.

The provisional personality in a provisional life.

The disillusionment of midlife mortality. 3:41

The disillusionment that happens in the 40s and 50s.

Why mountains are used as an archetypal symbol.

Culture’s expectations of success. 7:05

The first mountain, climbing the first mountain.

The two grinning gremlins of life. 8:44

James hollis, fear and lethargy are the enemies of life.

Valley story.

The valley is not a fun place to be. 12:54

The fear of annihilation.

Finding ways to break out of yourself and into community. 16:39

The role of the coach. 19:27

Letting go of what you think you are. 21:40

The second mountain is sweeter than the first mountain.

Find out more about Big Self School

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