David Brooks on his self-help book for modern society

New York Times columnist David Brooks believes it's not naïve to trust in others, as he explains in his new book, "How to Know a Person." His aim, he tells CBS News' John Dickerson, is to help people divided by partisanship and social media better see and understand one another, and escape the isolation that is common in our culture. He also talks about Weave: The Social Fabric Project, a non-profit supporting those who work to weave together the social fabric in their communities.
#DavidBrooks ‪@weavethesocialfabricprojec4275‬
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[@barbarawinters6844]

We love you, David Brooks. We love you, John Dickerson.

[@teablissful]

This segment with David Brooks really spoke to me. I haven't been exposed to the term, illuminator, until now. I love it!

[@meggibson3791]

Compassion and kindness heals and inspires. Thank you ♥️

[@jclar7210]

We need more people like David Brooks in this world to encourage people to talk to eachother and more. Thank you David for all you do!

[@barbaramcfadden527]

This man is a true gentleman. Well read, informed, and thoughtful. Thank you David Brooks.

[@macktravels68]

Yes. He is one of the best in my opinion.

[@fkutube933]

Except when taking his own advice about political figures.

[@billmitchell2080]

Yes he is wonderful while hanging out with a guy who has Mein Kampf on display. Federalist Society types are generally full of kindness and generosity . Give me a break. This guy is a horrible human being.

[@LizaFan]

The paragon of a permanent pundit class completely detached from reality. Myopia and delusion.

[@willfrey7589]

Excellent talk with an excellent person.

[@ST-wo3uw]

David always seems to strike a heart chord every time I listen to him or read his words. Such a wise, thoughtful, intelligent soul.

[@jreedc]

Very much appreciate David’s calm sentiment, humility, and ongoing personal growth. Seeing each other’s humanity is the first step forward.

[@java4653]

Pretty surely trying to stop the Immoral Bush Wars is the only valid position and Brooks failed at that....just like his entire generation. That's you too!

[@mililaniman]

The message I get from this story is to talk less and listen more.

[@n_dee_vee]

The people who need this book will never know about it.

[@lifeisagift.cherisheverymoment]

I am encountered by "diminishers" far more often than I have the pleasure of meeting "Illuminators". Fortunately, I remember Illuminators and quickly forget diminishers. I have enjoyed David Brooks' essays and commentaries for many years. Thank you, David.

[@Kknightstar]

Indifference is worse than hatred. I think this book is going to be worthwhile. Thank you for this❤

[@kalipress4338]

At any age at any time in our lives, connect and listen

[@dr.aniasara7038]

Thank you! It needs to be taught in schools from kindergarten to college. Especially Attorneys and doctors.

[@marilynjackson5752]

I have so much respect for him. I will buy his book.

[@maryannkochanski5777]

I am so glad I watched this episode! It helped me understand myself!

[@ErnestLauzon]

David Brooks has a refreshing, optimistic and inspiring view of humanity.

[@elianasd9866]

except he thinks we are idiots

[@ErnestLauzon]

@elianasd9866 that's because it is the opinion you have of yourself.

[@LizaFan]

@@ErnestLauzon Brooks is delusional. Like most of the permanent pundit class. Completely detached from material reality.

[@abj358]

David nailed truth in this most simple qualifier...," We don't teach it [empathy] in school." My boomer generation, as with many preceding, have trained us to be desperately suspicious and critical of each other, an unfortunate choice which has been unduly amplified via social media. While not endeavoring to hear each others' stories, thus failing to acknowledge each others' suffering as well as joy, we cannot walk in another's shoes if we are challenged to don our own. We always have the opportunity to take a more considerate tack because we will always be teaching each generation how to live in the world. But we must first find a way to emphasize compassion over competition, empathy over dismissal, and the value of "other" to our own personal hopes and dreams. We CAN live and thrive together. But we must choose to do so each moment of every day, seeing compassion and love as the strengths they are rather than weaknesses we have mistaken them to be.

[@lenblack1462]

Funny, the right wants a divorce. They want their own nation. I don't think they care if we on the left notice them or not.

[@g246437]

Well said! Thank you for this thoughtful commentary.

[@java4653]

LOL. What are you talking about? Brooks is a Republican, that means he supports their lies and hate. He doesn't get a pass by writing a book for beliefs he does not live himself in any way. He's just as responsible for Trump & Iraq as a Rush Limbaugh.

[@claudial.gonzalez4268]

It’s not naive to live with trust and with respect. It shows a hint of humanity that can make our world a better place for many. We will not be exempt from pain and sadness but we can share a lot of happiness and respect. Mostly we can live with self respect. ❤❤❤Thank you

[@robbrown4621]

My mom is married to a man who I believe has Aspbergers. He makes her feel completely irrelevant and invisible. He never talks to her, spends his entire day alone on his computer in a separate room, and even puts an earplug in his ear to listen to the radio at the dinner table. My mom is 92 years old and has been living with this man for forty years. She says he got worse when they both retired more than twenty years ago.

[@AmericanTeacher-USA]

Sounds as if she married - again - very late in life!

[@robbrown4621]

Yes. She was around 51 when she married this man. It was okay for her when they were both working but it went downhill after they retired. He has all the signs of having Aspbergers even including what he did for a living. It's really sad to see someone simply erased from her own existence. But I have been taking care of her for the last ten years and have made life better for her as much as possible... I show her love, value, appreciation, attention, and have a therapist talk with her three or four times per year. @@AmericanTeacher-USA

[@PDogB]

If we can't come together, listen, talk and work with other people, we will all fail.

[@jeffmpvd7689]

That's exactly why we are failing

[@user-db7fz1st1o]

Love David Brooks!

[@neomifeldman3553]

David you are an illuminator

[@doug3819]

Many things have caused this, internet, video games, smartphones, self check out lines, large conglomerates, Walmart, Sam's club, no more small hardware stores, neighborhood grocery stores are gone. Drive throughs are the worst things invented.

[@java4653]

LOL. Conservatives did all that. Brooks owns the decline.

[@malcognito7210]

Well, if we can make it through this period of mutual hostility without killing ourselves off, then maybe this could be the new stepping off point.

[@jc22358]

The "wolf" is in the basement, the dining room, the attic, the church and the school board. Anyone who refuses to acknowledge this is doomed to be mauled. Mr. Brooks is well-intentioned but, blissfully optimistic.

[@captainkangaroo4301]

I remember report cards in which were were graded on deportment. A long ago lost idea.

[@Invisibledrone-]

Wow. Have more respect for him now

[@eddieg6436]

Great ideas, but very idealistic. Today’s DEVICES have hidden those around us. I love city life (restaurants, art galleries, culture), but country life / small town life is much more gratifying when it comes to PEOPLE.

[@SeaTurtle515]

I have read The Social Animal, by Brooks, one of my all time favorites. And I love his idea of us becoming illuminations, BUT…the wolf is at the door and only looking to devour. We can only begin to repair as a society and country after this particular kind of wolf has been beaten back down.

[@janedoe09]

Darn straight Brooks...that lunch was more than my food budget for a week.

[@suegee6386]

Love this intelligent, compassionate, articulate fella ❤

[@dominictemple]

For anyone who’s still reading the comments, the cost of the lunch was increased by the glasses of alcohol he ordered with his lunch

[@AmericanTeacher-USA]

We know, sweetie.

[@carinwiseman4309]

Reading it now.

[@sgtgeneweenie]

4 Scotches at LaGuardia?

[@whimsicalhamster88]

Thank you! “Alcoholic rich guy thinks people are mean, after years of supporting Republicans” is not a news story.

[@lenblack1462]

I think it was Newark.

[@elainekinney6186]

A wolf in sheep's clothing is here! Be intelligent out there! Be cautious.

[@steveconn]

David's new book, "Still Not Getting Any, Seventy Years Gone" (and with the combined power of twenty St. John's grads). "Would you like to come listen to my translation of Aeschylus from the original text? No? Oh, well..."

[@AmericanTeacher-USA]

😂

[@dominictemple]

Not quite. After spending decades writing about divorce destroying society and divorced his wife and married his 23 years younger research assistant.

[@donniemoder1466]

Honestly don't believe Mr. Brooks has any special insights to provide folks on how to live life except to harness his newspaper and television commentary job into book deals.

[@billmitchell2080]

Its nice to see David Brooks has time to spend with you. As I'm sure he is quite busy cozying up to Clarence Thomas and Harlan Crow. Knowing that a New York Times reporter is in deep with the most dangerous organization in america is truly scary. The manufacturers of consent have no shame. Thanks but no thanks.

[@owodesuwuwu4113]

5:20 Ironic that David Brooks is writing about narcissitic hucksterism because that's _literally_ what he's done for 20 years. He supported the Iraq War and people hated his tweet.

[@GuyGGormanandtheGMen]

"It's hard to hate people up close. All you have to do is show a little humanity." I experienced this on facebook. I was having a heated discussion with someone whose beliefs were completely opposite to mine. But then I noticed we had a mutual friend. I wrote, "Hey, I see you're friends with Joe. I used to work with him." After that the whole tone of the conversation changed, and we were able to share our ideas in a friendly manner.

[@phatato]

I can appreciate this guys's intention, but I think everyone needing to feel "seen" as some sort of origin of all the problems in this country is so ridiculous. I don't think people were being "seen or heard" very much throughout history, but they weren't at each other's throats and blaming each other for all their problems either. Narcissistic hucksterism is an issue, but so is narcissistic self indulgence when they don't really have any real problems.

[@longhaulblue]

Couldn't agree more. If one had to struggle to make a living, to improve oneself, one wouldn't have the time to indulge in these social conspiracy nonsense. Life is too good so one has to make up problems when there are none. Problem is their "problems" are affecting all of us.

[@jimkozubek4026]

1 coming from a newspaper that never saw a war they did not like. more money printing! more war!

[@distractionb]

I liked Mark Shields. Brooks telling me the value of being seen or public interaction is like Taylor Swift saying it's good to be a star. Thanks. We know, but can't all be pop stars or cranky newscasters.

[@lenblack1462]

David should tell the truth about his little airport restaurant stunt if he wants to be respected.

[@JennyMack]

He did. You would know if you watched.

[@maggiemaloney8599]

He did, but you weren't listening.

[@greenjoygardens]

"I've got the tools that are most aggressively effective at countering the wolf." Slow clap

[@owodesuwuwu4113]

6:50 He can't even TWEET without getting pushback, and he's saying that "I've got the tools that are the most aggressively effective"?

[@NathanHarrison7]

I absolutely agree with his thesis. However, great theses can nonetheless be impractical.

[@vovodetna8828]

It's a lost cause, David, UNLESS you are able to exterminate the internet and social media (which is destroying all of us).

[@doug3819]

Add to that cable news networks, video games, self check out lines, lastly get people to join organizations again, churches, bowling leagues, and charity organizations.

[@kalipress4338]

why does these conversations have to include politicians left and right. Each party has their problems. .we need more peace and less wars.

[@markcampbell7577]

The median income is at what would be considered to be the poverty line if the minimum wage act and social security act were enforced correctly locally by police and welfare departments. If you don't think this is true you don't know what it means to have enough income to reliably pay the rent for minimum housing. 4XR.

[@lucindaarmstrong1162]

I really enjoy his insights!

[@rachelstark2391]

I am sure that burger and fries were at least 40 % of the total cost. Most of us like myself stand at the market and count our pennies out!

[@janelightning73]

It starts with the vast disconnect from nature.

[@jeanthobaben]

I need to read David Brooks!

[@RW-ob4en]

Let not one’s takeaway be that wolves are evil! ❤😂

[@N2264J]

How about Medicare for All, David? You think that would make everyone feel seen and appreciated?

[@donniemoder1466]

Free stuff for everyone!

[@N2264J]

@@donniemoder1466 It's not free but it is cheaper and with better outcomes.

[@AndrewDeFaria]

Double shot of whiskey - $50? There's your problem right there!

[@ONE1BEAT]

👍

[@gotrr]

Last man on earth from whom I’d take advice.🤨

[@lewstone5430]

Yep.

[@jeffmpvd7689]

But you watched this video?

[@gotrr]

@@jeffmpvd7689 No, because this is a man who, after working for him for years, doesn’t believe William F. Buckley was a racist. ‘Nuf said.😠

[@lewstone5430]

@@jeffmpvd7689 that’s called having an open mind. However, in Brooks’ case a leopard never changes his spots.

[@markcampbell7577]

Secrecy prevents notice of dangerous misconception of biotechnology nuclear technology halogenated vinyl and halogenated carbon. The atmosphere and fertility is erodiing in secrecy.

[@mdcampbe]

Maybe that tweet was just fine…and trolls have simply been empowered to complain about even the most reasonable observations.

[@hankfowler8194]

Mr. Brooks, America accepts your apology, at at least it should.

[@JohnMAdams-nl9zt]

It’s those $78 lunches what’s wrong with America, right Dave?

[@melaniamonicacraciun9900]

Since Moses ages and the Jews story getting away from Egypt to the promise land away from Pharaohs cruelty, slavery, violences and abuses of any kind, well, we all know what makes us feel humans, the so called sins are not errors to be punished but a huge waste of opportunity. When someone is arrogant, envious or vanitous, obsessed by the others opinion on him, instead of being focused to improve his own life, it becomes destructive towards the others, that's why sins are a shame, are like a cancer threat slowing us down all of us. Envy is a capital sin because.. people is not trained to polish the diamond within but ... trying to obey rules, stay humble and get satisfied because nobody wants ..super stars to be better than the others. Therefore we can not know the real potential hidden in every single individual, a reason more to talk about ..sins, because they are a huge damage for all of us. Web technologies use now is showing us, having fair equal decent human rights to..talk about our feelings does not mean we are equal as human beings, not at all. Web connection is creating now a virtual imaginary parallel universe, every individual is free to be what he want to be, let it happen as long as it turns usefull for new welfare and new economical growth when .. American war affairs increased the State debts of three thousand billion dollars and more...we need wealthy taxpayers to recover this huge gap, that's the point friends... political economy, anything we do is a political decision because we talk about economical growth, let's pull out the precious diamonds within shall we?

[@twolegs6045]

Nuclear eye roll.....

[@hankfowler8194]

Brooks is one of the most relevant historians today. He has great commentary on PBS and is a must watch each week with J. Capehart.

[@java4653]

These delusional comments are amazing, revealing the shared mental weaknesses of the older generations that let Iraq & Trump happen, despite growing up with the immorality of Vietnam, Nixon & Reagan. If you're praising this over educated con artist,then you're responsible for such much that's wrong today in the USA.

[@LizaFan]

He is *not* a historian. He is the paragon of a permanent pundit class, mired in delusion and myopia.

[@aguerra1381]

We are ALL conditioned and our REALITY is shaped by forces way beyond our understanding. It's a conflict between higher powers as we're kept unconscious while in the middle of it. We're "caught in a crossfire of devils and gods" as Dan Fogelberg once insightfully wrote.

[@mariabaumgartel766]

Thank God!

[@sarastilson8669]

We do 5each this in Montessori education

[@pginsbach1]

No apology for his tweet about the cost of his steak sandwich and bourbon drinks he had at the Newark Airport. How does he know the wolf's at the door. Privileged columnist on an expense account with the New York Times, that meal didn't cost him $78!

[@Peekul1]

This is the out of touch guy that posted a picture of his $78 dinner with a bourbon lamenting how Americans are struggling with inflation. He was making a broader point about sticker shock. 😂 He also believes friendship between liberal and conservative will make us better. He's out of touch with modern society, but he does have a self help book

[@JustinCase780]

Interesting how the street they were standing in D.C. is full of places for young people to run up credit cards on brunch and lunching.

[@toddchatterly9310]

Cannot imagine a bigger waste of time than a book like this from the $50 airport scotch guy. Beyond that, just an incredible dull mind in general.

[@fkutube933]

Funny how these people reject their own advice every single time. In plain sight. "Be ccompassionate and listen. Except that guy over there. Fk him for having opinions different from mine."

[@JoshMaxPower]

You bring them t-shirts and sneakers too they will drop dead with gratitude

[@lewstone5430]

He _IS_ the wolf in sheep’s clothing.

[@mollyr5517]

The “I can’t even afford to make poor lifestyles choices” joke is confusing to me..he could have waited in line at Taco Bell etc…fast food is cheap.

[@ronaldgarrison8478]

5:30 Not much I can predict with confidence, but here's one thing: Vivek is going to be only a sideshow in this campaign-if that.

[@rachelstark2391]

Yes, the public has won the $15 an hour pay increase, but it is only reflected in the prices. It is a vicious cycle!

[@suzannefarrington4143]

David Brooks, attempting to eke out a living by being relevant. And yet this “compassionate conservative” was going on ad nauseum in a column about the ADA, saying no one has a right to healthcare. Spare me, please, his latest opinions.

[@JRouben]

The only journalist I read and watch.

[@mountart2]

Maybe the first order of business towards self help is not to be an elitist rich white privileged member of the human race and not tweet out crying over the price of 6 bourbons and a steak when most people are really dealing with inflation.

[@JimSamuel267]

Should anyone take advice from a guy who complains about a $78 burger?

[@geckobrah4201]

Want to experience being invisible to others? Try being a single man in search for a good woman.

[@eileenohare9647]

I would nominate David Brooks for President, except I like him and respect him too much to ruin his life.

[@erickborling1302]

That Brooks would write such a book demonstrates his lack of self-awareness, and the worthlessness of the advice contained in it.

[@joshpratt5519]

I am not so concerned with our being saved from ourselves. I'm more concerned that we are all saved from Trump.

[@dr.aniasara7038]

You can't speak for everybody please. It's' an ignorant statement to say that "everybody is," and you haven't been to see that many people worldwide.

[@davehanson199]

Can’t stand this guy

[@danarayart2537]

Darlings, David has turned into an utter bore . He gushed about how great Amy Coney Island Barrett was going to be for the Spanish Inquisition formerly known as the Supreme Court of Fools and Crooks.

[@Huron2010A]

Shame on CBS for fluffing this joke of a moralist. his political writings of the last 30+ disqualify him from any moral high ground. Hey Dave, how is that Grad Assistant wife of yours?

[@hawlikd]

Brooks has gone Woke Liberal!

[@ryanscottlogan8459]

David Brooks has made a lot of money pretending to be conservative over the years!😂😂😂

[@java4653]

LOL. Anyone who thinks David "Bobo" Brooks understands morality is devoid of sny vakod morality themselves.

[@markfisher2201]

David Brooks is hella lame

[@eckkd4252]

This perfectly encapsulates the Demokkkrat party. One sentence is: We need to unify all people and bridge the divide and help everyone. 2nd Sentence: But F Trump and the Republican party and anybody that isn't as brainwashed and stupid as we are.

[@betpow]

thanks for weighing in!...you helped

[@anastasiabeaverhausen8220]

Backasswards

[@lewstone5430]

No liberal ever said that you must embrace every single individual. Some individuals are criminals for instance, they do harm to people and belong in prison. This isn’t complicated.

[@distractionb]

Brooks is out of touch

[@doninwv]

I like David Brooks and enjoy reading whatever he writes. But My God, he's turned more Liberal?? My experience has been just the opposite. The ridiculousness of liberals today has driven me away from the Democratic party and towards the adults in the room currently, conservatives.

[@EnergyMaxWh]

When religion declines