How To Know A Person by David Brooks Book Review

Released: 24^th October 2023

Genre: Non-Fiction, Society, Psychology

Number of Pages: 271

David Brooks is an author and commentator with many contributions to American culture. He has written for the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times and other publications. Following on from his 2011 book: “The Social Animal”, “How To Know A Person” delves into the important social skills that are often stifled in today’s world.

It was written in direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic and endless political polarisation. Across three parts and seventeen chapters, Brooks takes the reader beyond basic conversation and charts a course to understand others more deeply. He does so through a range of personal stories and encounters; I See You is the first section, showing how to be an Illuminator. These individuals take an active role in understanding others and allowing their true selves to rise to the surface. They do so in a natural manner without becoming argumentative or disagreeable, though this also requires the right environment and context. It’s notable that every example used is a face-to-face interaction.

The second and third parts discuss seeing a person’s struggles and identifying their strengths. By laying out the ideal approach with short summaries, Brooks takes a proactive approach. The author is said to be a political moderate, but he aims to disconnect wider views and focus purely on interaction. How To Know A Person also strips away the psychological side to focus mainly on experience. The book feels much more open and sincere as a result; David has a clear intent to push others to fully engage with each other and this is constantly visible throughout. It’s often about the things that matter to people; their personal backgrounds, where they came from and major trials that create the most memorable conversations.

Recommended?

YES: David Brooks has some intriguing points to share, a potential starting point for people to reconnect and start having deeper conversations again. It does so in a compact and easily digestible manner. It’s well worth a read if you’re looking to form stronger connections.