The bad news is that your professional decline is coming much sooner than you think! For entrepreneurs and inventors decline on average is already in play by age forty. For those who choose “being special” over “being happy,” addictions can take over and accompany the constant work that is part of “success.” The others in one’s life become objectified. The agony of one’s decline is linked directly to the level of one’s previous prestige. But the good news is that change is possible—the human person is remarkably resilient, often even in the face of trauma. Like the Aspen grove, with age one can grow a vast network of friends and colleagues that provide strength for the second half of life. While a “fluid intelligence” marks the younger years, the mature years bring a “crystallized intelligence” that can lead to wisdom. And often religious yearnings increase with age. Going from strength to strength requires a new set of life skills during the recognition of one’s decline; we are to bless others and continue to serve even as we show that we are vulnerable and human. If this all sounds rather Christian this is because Brooks is a committed Christian and following Paul the Apostle, he expounds strength in weakness. We are challenged to ponder death, to choose purpose versus enjoyment, and to experience and share our decline with others. What is important is summarized in seven words.

                                                 Use things.

                                                Love people.

                                              Worship the divine.

Written for a general audience, why not take and read and pass on this remarkable book?