How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book. 

1. Brooks emphasizes the art of paying attention and listening as central to truly knowing someone. How effectively did he convey the importance of these skills through the examples and insights provided in the book? 

2. Both How to Know a Person and The Second Mountain by David Brooks explore the idea of building a meaningful life through connection and service. How do these books complement each other in their messages about deepening relationships and understanding purpose? 

3. How did you feel about the balance between personal stories, research-based insights, and philosophical reflections in the book? Did it effectively convey the message of cultivating deeper human relationships?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Reflect on a time when you felt truly seen and understood by someone. How does Brooks’s exploration of empathy and active listening align with that experience, and what lessons can you draw from it?

2. Brooks discusses the importance of crafting meaningful conversations as a way to deepen relationships. Have you experienced a conversation where genuine curiosity or intentional listening brought surprising insights or strengthened a bond?