David Brooks Honored with a Christopher Award

Washington, D.C.-based author David Brooks received a Christopher Award for "The Second Mountain: The Quest for a Moral Life," (Random House/Penguin Random House). It is one of 11 books for adults and young people by 16 authors and illustrators honored as the Awards mark their 71st year. They join the creators of nine winning TV/Cable and feature films also being honored.

The Christophers' motto, “It’s better to light one candle than to curse the darkness,” is particularly apt in 2020 said Tony Rossi, The Christophers’ Director of Communications. The celebrated authors, illustrators, writers, producers, and directors whose works exemplify this Chinese proverb also “affirm the highest values of the human spirit,” he said.

In the book Brooks explores the four commitments that define a life of meaning and purpose: to a spouse and family, to a vocation, to a philosophy or faith, and to a community. According to Brooks our personal fulfillment depends on how well we choose and execute these commitments. He looks at a range of people who have lived joyous, committed lives, and who have embraced the necessity and beauty of dependence. He gathers their wisdom on how to choose a partner, how to pick a vocation, how to live out a philosophy, and how we can begin to integrate our commitments into one overriding purpose. "The Second Mountain" is a provocative social commentary meant to help us all lead more meaningful lives.

Brooks, a leading writer and commentator, is an op-ed columnist for The New York Times and appears regularly on PBS NewsHour and Meet the Press. He is the bestselling author of "The Road to Character;" "The Social Animal: The Hidden Sources of Love, Character, and Achievement;" "Bobos in Paradise: The New Upper Class and How They Got There;" and "On Paradise Drive: How We Live Now (And Always Have) in the Future Tense."

The Christophers, a nonprofit founded in 1945 by Maryknoll Father James Keller, is rooted in the Judeo-Christian tradition of service to God and humanity. The ancient Chinese proverb—“It’s better to light one candle than to curse the darkness”— guides its publishing, radio, and awards programs. More information about The Christophers is available at www.christophers.org.