By Cap Puckhaber, Founder of Black Diamond Marketing Solutions, Reno, Nevada
I’m Cap Puckhaber, a marketing professional, amateur investor, part-time blogger and outdoor enthusiast. Today we break down the Second Mountain by David Brooks.
Lately, I’ve been reading The Second Mountain by David Brooks, and I have to say—it’s hitting me in a way not many books do. It’s not just an insightful read; it’s actually reshaping how I think about my personal growth and how I want to show up in the world, both in my career and in my relationships.
Brooks lays out this idea that we all go through two major “mountains” in life. I’ve thought about success and purpose before, but the way he frames it just makes sense. The first mountain is all about achieving—climbing the ladder, chasing status, earning money, building a name for yourself. And I’ve definitely been on that mountain. Most of us have. It’s the one society encourages us to climb from day one.
I saw a lot of myself in what Brooks described: working hard, hitting milestones, feeling proud—but also feeling a little empty afterward. That hit home. He says the first mountain is driven by self-interest and external validation. Honestly, that’s not easy to admit, but it’s true. And I think that’s why this book feels so relevant to where I’m at right now.
The Shift to the Second Mountain
As Brooks explains it, the second mountain is a different kind of journey. It’s not about what you can get out of life, but what you can give. That idea has been sitting with me for weeks.
This second mountain is about finding real joy—not just fleeting happiness. It’s about building deeper connections, serving others, embracing vulnerability, and living for something bigger than yourself. I’m starting to see my own priorities shift in that direction. Maybe you’ve felt that too—like you’ve achieved what you set out to do, but now you want to matter in a deeper way.
Brooks says you can’t even begin to climb the second mountain until you’ve reached the top of the first one—and maybe even fallen off it. That’s when you realize success isn’t enough. That’s when the search for purpose really begins.
Joy vs. Happiness (And Why It Matters)
One of the parts that really stuck with me is how Brooks breaks down the difference between happiness and joy. I used to use those words interchangeably. Not anymore.
He describes happiness as something that’s tied to external wins—getting a raise, buying something new, achieving a goal. Don’t get me wrong, those things feel good. I’ve had plenty of moments like that. But they fade. You’re always looking for the next one. And after a while, the excitement wears off.
Joy, on the other hand, feels deeper. It lasts longer. It comes from living in alignment with who you really are and how you want to impact the people around you. You don’t chase joy. It shows up when your life starts reflecting your values. And when I read that, I thought—yeah, that’s what I’ve been missing.
Lately, I’ve been rethinking how I run my business, how I show up for my family, and how I spend my time. Reading about this concept of joy—especially the way Brooks lays it out—has made me pause and ask myself, “Am I really doing what matters most?”
Exploring the Different Types of Joy
Brooks goes even deeper by breaking down joy into three different types. I’ve found myself highlighting whole sections and scribbling notes in the margins because it’s so relevant to where I’m at right now.
1. Communal Joy
This one hit me first. Communal joy comes from being part of something bigger than yourself—your family, your neighborhood, your team at work, your community. It’s about showing up, helping out, and feeling connected to others in a meaningful way.
I’ve noticed this in my own life. Whether I’m mentoring a client, supporting a friend, or just having dinner with family, those moments bring a level of fulfillment that my early career achievements never touched.
Brooks talks about how empathy fuels this kind of joy. It’s not about being the hero; it’s about caring, listening, and being present. That really resonates with where I want to go in both life and business.
2. Spiritual Joy
Then there’s spiritual joy. Brooks explains it as a deep, transformative kind of peace that comes from feeling connected to something greater—God, the universe, a sense of divine purpose. That part of the book reminded me of moments I’ve had while meditating, hiking in the backcountry, or just sitting in stillness and feeling like everything made sense for a minute.
You don’t have to follow a specific religion to feel spiritual joy, but you do need to step outside of your ego and tap into something bigger. That kind of joy feels sacred. I’ve been trying to slow down more lately to make space for it.
3. Existential Joy
The third type is existential joy. This one surprised me the most, but I think it’s where I’ve grown the most recently. It’s the kind of joy that comes when you accept life for what it is—not just the highs, but the pain, the setbacks, the uncertainty. It’s that quiet strength that builds when you stop resisting and start embracing life as a whole.
I’ve had a few tough seasons—both personally and professionally—and Brooks’s take on this helped me reframe those moments. I don’t have to “get over” every obstacle. Sometimes I just need to move through it with grace. That shift in mindset has brought me a peace I didn’t expect.
What This Book Is Doing for Me
Reading The Second Mountain has felt less like reading a self-help book and more like having a really honest conversation with someone who’s been there. It’s challenged me to reevaluate what I value—and more importantly, why I value it.
It’s influencing the way I lead, the way I serve, and the way I think about success. I started shifting some goals in my business to align more with purpose than profit. I’ve prioritized real connections over quick wins. I’ve even started planning more time with people who matter, and less time checking boxes that don’t.
This book isn’t about abandoning ambition. It’s about redirecting it. Brooks doesn’t say stop climbing—he says climb something more meaningful.
Final Thoughts
If you’re feeling like the traditional path to success doesn’t satisfy the way it used to, or if you’re craving more meaning in your day-to-day life, The Second Mountain might be exactly what you need right now. It’s certainly what I needed.
Brooks doesn’t offer a perfect roadmap, but he gives you a powerful lens through which to look at your life. And for me, that’s been enough to start making some real changes—small ones, but intentional. I’m not at the summit of my second mountain yet. But I know I’ve started the climb.
And honestly? It feels good.
About the Author
Cap Puckhaber is a marketing strategist, finance writer, and outdoor enthusiast. He writes across CapPuckhaber.com, TheHikingAdventures.com, SimpleFinanceBlog.com, and BlackDiamondMarketingSolutions.com. Follow him for honest, real-world advice backed by 20+ years of experience.
If you want to connect with Cap Puckhaber and see more of his insights on marketing, check out his LinkedIn profile where he shares regular updates and professional tips.
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