My Rotary International club is starting a new book club. Our first book to read is by David Brooks. The title is How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen. As the world is today, it is an important and excellent read. Well written, it gives simple ideas about how to:
- Create better relationships. Such things as really listening, asking deeper questions, paying attention to nuances to learn different things, etc.
- Understand a unique approach to developmental psychology. “Life tasks” or stages of imperial, interpersonal, career consolidation, generative, and integrity vs. despair.
My favorite quote in the book is “Wisdom isn’t knowing about physics or geography. Wisdom is knowing about people. Wisdom is the ability to see deeply into who people are and how they should move in the complex situations of life. That’s the great gift Illuminators share with those around them.” (Illuminators make others feel bigger, deeper, respected, lit up while Diminishers make people feel small and unseen.)
When I read Brooks’ newest book, I couldn’t help but think about diversity, equity and inclusion. Wouldn’t really knowing a person be healing for all, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, etc.?
As you read David Brooks’ latest book, you may wish to reflect on different areas of your life. Whether it is family, friends or business colleagues/relationships, this book is an important read. It is “food for thought” on so many levels, but especially on how to create a better world with beautiful relationships. This book is available at your local bookstore or on Amazon.com.
