How to Know a Person

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NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A practical guide to truly knowing others and fostering deeper connections at home, work, and beyond—from the author of The Road to Character and The Second Mountain. David Brooks emphasizes the essential skill of seeing others deeply, making them feel valued and understood. Unfortunately, many people feel invisible and misunderstood. This work aims to improve our ability to connect, posing vital questions: What kind of attention should we give? What conversations should we engage in? Which parts of a person's story deserve our focus? With his trademark curiosity, Brooks draws from psychology, neuroscience, theater, philosophy, history, and education to present a hopeful approach to human connection. This guide encourages readers to be more understanding and considerate, highlighting the joy that comes from being seen. It also offers a potential remedy for a society marked by fragmentation and hostility. Brooks argues that the act of truly seeing another person is profoundly creative, prompting us to look beyond the surface and recognize the larger human experience within ourselves. This work is for anyone seeking connection and understanding in their lives.