For students of human nature, David Brooks’ New York Times columns are fascinating. He is an interdisciplinary thinker who reflects on everything from economic and political trends to emotional satisfaction and the meaning of life. Last fall, he called upon his over-70 readers to submit essays evaluating their lives–“how they had done and what they had learned in the realms of private life, career, faith, community, work and self-knowledge.” These “Life Reports” offer profound musings on lives lived well, lives gone badly, meaning, triumphs, disappointments and regrets. No matter what your stage of life you will glean wisdom from them, and by the way, they are better than a lot of fiction out there!
