Words Into Works #070 | The Four Commitments

In his book, The Second Mountain, David Brooks explores the concept of the two mountains people must climb. The first mountain is pursuing individual success and happiness, while the second mountain is pursuing a deeper, more fulfilling life.

Brooks argues that the second mountain is where we can find true happiness and fulfillment, and he outlines four commitments to climb this mountain. These commitments are:

The Commitment to a Vocation. This involves dedicating oneself to a cause or mission larger than oneself. It could be a career, a volunteer role, or a personal project that positively impacts others or society.
The Commitment to a Spouse and Family. This involves building deep and meaningful relationships with one’s spouse and family. It requires a willingness to make sacrifices, be vulnerable, and prioritize the needs of others over our own.
The Commitment to a Philosophy or Faith. This involves developing a set of values and beliefs that give meaning and purpose to life. It could be a religious faith, a secular philosophy, or a personal code of ethics that guides one’s decisions and actions.
The Commitment to a Community. This involves cultivating relationships with others and contributing to the well-being of a larger group or community. It could be a neighborhood, a religious organization, a social club, or a group that shares common interests and values.

Let’s discuss each in more detail.

1. The Commitment to a Vocation

The first commitment we should make on our journey toward a meaningful life is the commitment to a vocation. To do that, we must find and pursue a career or profession that provides a sense of purpose, allows for personal growth and development, and positively contributes to the world.

Brooks argues that vocation is not just about making a living or pursuing a passion. It’s also about dedicating oneself to a higher purpose. He believes finding a vocation requires self-reflection, exploration, and experimentation, which, in turn, involves identifying our unique talents, interests, and values and finding ways to use them to serve others.

A vocation is not a one-time decision, however. Instead, it’s an ongoing process of growth and learning. We must be willing to take risks, make mistakes, and adapt to changing circumstances. Brooks emphasizes that a sense of humility, service, and a commitment to the common good should guide our pursuit of vocation.

2. The Commitment to a Spouse and Family

The second commitment that Brooks identifies as essential to a meaningful life is the commitment to a spouse and family. He argues that humans are fundamentally social creatures and are designed to thrive in close relationships with others.

Our commitment to a spouse and family involves building deep, lasting relationships based on love, trust, and mutual support. As such, we must invest time and energy in these relationships and develop the skills and habits necessary to maintain them over the long term.

Moreover, we must sometimes make sacrifices for the sake of others and prioritize their needs and interests over our own. This type of selfless love is hard to grow but is essential to creating strong, resilient families that can weather the challenges and hardships of life.

3. The Commitment to a Philosophy or Faith

The third commitment that Brooks identifies as essential to a meaningful life is the commitment to a philosophy or faith. He argues that humans are physical and emotional creatures and spiritual beings who must make sense of the world and find meaning and purpose in their lives.

Committing to a philosophy or faith involves developing a set of beliefs and values that provide a framework for understanding the world and living a purposeful life. We must engage in deep, reflective thinking and explore different perspectives and ideas to develop our worldview.

Furthermore, committing to a philosophy or faith involves living according to our beliefs and values and using them to guide our actions and decisions. This type of moral clarity is essential to living a virtuous and fulfilling life.

4. The Commitment to a Community

The fourth and final commitment that Brooks identifies is the commitment to a community. He argues that human beings are not just individuals but also social creatures who need to be part of something larger than themselves.

Brooks suggests that the commitment to a community involves connecting with others, building relationships, and contributing to the common good. He emphasizes serving and giving back to others to strengthen communities and create a sense of belonging and purpose.

Committing to a community is a crucial part of a meaningful life that provides a sense of belonging, connection, and a way to make a positive difference. But in return, we must engage with others, serve and give back, and recognize and celebrate the diversity of the human experience.

Conclusion

The Four Commitments are essential to living a meaningful life as each represents a different aspect of human experience and provide us with a sense of purpose, belonging, and connection.

By cultivating these commitments and investing in them over the long term, we can find a sense of fulfillment and joy that transcends the superficial pleasures of modern life.