How to Know a Person by David Brooks

Reviewed Date: January 15th, 2024

You always want to know what people think and want to understand them deeply. Because human beings are complex and change gradually over time, their impressions and characteristic traits they revealed previously may no longer be useful to say that you know them.

You might label or stereotype them because you observed something in the past. But the truth is, people outgrow themselves all the time. Then what do you need to do? While observing and analyzing them helps a little, it is essential how they view the world and how they see things says about them.

A person is a point of view. I am aware that it is a generalization, but I understand that behind the view, a number of things are playing a role. The person’s childhood experiences, memories, traumas, attitudes, loves, fears, and much more. These things constitute the view. To know their view, you have to accompany them, start with small talk, and ask deep questions.

To be afraid, everyone is interested in talking about themselves. But make sure you ask questions that help the person explore himself/herself. How to Know a Person by David Brooks navigates through what we previously know, but the writing makes the difference; it is warm and friendly. I have read the book halfway.