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Aging

As we age, we shift from fluid intelligence to crystalized intelligence. Fluid intelligence helps us solve new problems and crystalized intelligence comes from life experience and accumulated wisdom. That shift doesn’t mean we’re washed up. It means we will be most effective in a new role, like teaching, mentoring, or guiding others. The key to happiness is recognizing this coming change and embracing it. Arthur helps us face our fears about getting older and letting go of what we can’t control, so we can open the door to more purpose, connection, and joy. 

“With knowledge and effort, you (and I) can make two crucial choices that can lead to harnessing the changes and difficulties of aging to instead design a midlife transcendence.”

Arthur Brooks

“Go from your innovating curve—which peaks in your late thirties—to your teaching curve.”

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Arthur Brooks

“Much like contemplating death can neutralize the fear of it, it can help to acclimate yourself to the idea of losing professional skills before it happens.”

Arthur Brooks

Meaning in Life Questionnaire

Are you a Hopeful Wanderer, a Relentless Seeker, Happy at Home, or Lost in Place? This survey assesses the extent to which you are searching for, and have presence of, meaning in your life.

Begin the Quiz
recommended book

From Strength to Strength

Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life

#1 NYT Bestseller

Change in your life is inevitable, but suffering is not. From Strength to Strength shows you how to accept the gifts of the second half of life with grace, joy, and ever-deepening purpose. Bulk discounts available, for more information click here.

Get the BookLearn More

“Brooks appears to have a clear strategy here: first he horrifies you, then he bucks you up. Every ambitious person should read this.”

Dan Harris
Author and former ABC News anchor

“From Strength to Strength is a wise and inspiring guide to reimagining the rest of your life. If you’re a striver tired of striving, this remarkable book is for you.”

Daniel H. Pink
Author of Drive, When, and A Whole New Mind

“In this book, Arthur C. Brooks helps people find greater happiness as they age and change.”

The Dalai Lama
His Holiness

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Aging

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Aging

Video

GMA - Arthur Brooks talks about new book, ‘From Strength to Strength’

The bestselling author, Harvard professor and contributing writer for The Atlantic dives into seeking joy and purpose in his new book.

Video

CBS Mornings “Beg-Knows”

Harvard professor Arthur Brooks explains how small resolutions like gratitude lists can improve happiness. He shares tips from his book "From Strength to Strength" and tips for navigating job changes and workplace joy.

Podcast

Ten Percent Happier with Dan Harris: The Good News about Your Inevitable Decline

The unavoidable truth is that our skills change as we get older. We invest so much in our professional success, and then at some point, things change. But there’s good news. While certain abilities and mental capacities erode with age, others get stronger. With some foresight, planning, and good habits, you can make the second half of your life way better than the first.

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