David Brooks on Facing “Brutalizing Times” with “Defiant Humanism” | Amanpour and Company

I watch David Brooks on PBS every week. I just gained a much larger admiration for him. Thank for this interview.

This man has become a role model of mine in the last two or three years. I deeply appreciate his way of listening and speaking. I love his weekly discussions with Jonathan Capehart on current events. Can’t wait to read this book.

David Brooks' journey is admirable ~ we can always evolve and keep learning and growing! Life Long Learning! Know Thyself .

A great interview! I, as a shy introvert, joined a big hiking group some years ago. I was very worried that I'd be unable to socialize with the others, but I discovered that asking questions, as David mentioned, is an excellent way to talk to people. I found that everyone wants to tell their stories, if only someone would show interest. It's an instant icebreaker and a great way to start a new friendship.

I love David Brooks. .He has some great Tedx Talks....

I come from quite another Jewish family in which one not only couldn't get a word in edgewise at the Thanksgiving table (15 people and about 20 discussions going on simultaneously), but also not eating quickly enough to get second servings as the others were already on their thirds. The last Thanksgiving at which I took part was after dad died in 1980 and I mentioned that this was the first time I was able to eat with the family in peace and not have to fight about anything. Silence at the table. When I had realized what I had just said, a flood of emotions overwhelmed me as all the others tried to shame me into not having said this, which was, of course, quite impossible. Learning empathy came to me by being a victim of injustice - every instance. Some needs of others simply scream-out to me. As I had experienced as a kid not having enough warm clothing in the winter and each winter reminding me of this terrible feeling. When the shoe-less man at the station walked by in a tattered shirt in the middle of the winter the damm of resistance to his plight just broke and even though he didn't ask, he got a warm meal, from me. Many others in his situation have had my sympathetic response - from food, to rooming, to taking others to the hospital to save limbs or simply listening to their stories. I prize myself in knowing the names and stories of over 25 people at the train-station. As Edith Bunker so clearly pointed-out when Archie berated her for volunteering at a senior-center (old-age-home back then), "But Archie, helping others is what's important in life." Caring, kindness and loving support are all important, but these arise from love, curiosity and enthusiasm (none for the individual but for the station in which we find ourselves) which are allowed through ones' own vulnerability and human frailty and through ones' acceptance and embracing of these. I'm glad that you are on this journey, David Brooks. The problems of existence don't go away, we just ally with each other to negotiate them and in doing so draw closer to each other and become more loving - or not. It's a real joy to give so thank you for letting me give. Love.

What an absolutely powerful phrase, "How did you come to believe that?" In this time of seemingly impossible divisions, and, in which, only communication with those who don't share your point of view, this is absolutely the best question to ask. It bears no judgement or strive and might actually lead to mutual understanding, and, perhaps, even to peace on earth and goodwill towards all humans.

Helpful to hear someone is struggling to make sense of the nonsense around us.

I always look forward to hearing David every Friday evening on the PBS News Hour, because he is a calm voice of reason in a time when such people are a rare commodity.

Another FABULOUS and Critical interview on Amanpour & Co.! I have so much respect for Mr. Brooks' desire, willingness to self-reflect and to use his keen insights to help guide the rest of us! All that he shares is so fundamentally vital for a sane and functional society! Many thanks!

Marvelous! I recently spent two hours listening to an interview with PBS wherein he delineated his concerns about the current state of American opinion and its implications for our democracy from a human perspective- it was great and I think if more democrats and conservatives were open to reaching across the aisle we might avoid a constitutional crisis on the horizon ✊🇺🇸

He said that the amount of Americans with no close friends has gone up fourfold since the millennium. That qualifies as an epidemic. Never fail to be kind to a stranger when the opportunity presents itself. You never know what people are struggling with internally and how far a thoughtful, kind word or gesture can go for someone troubled. I don't like Brook's politics, but I'm impressed with his social, emotional intelligence.

Thank you ! Mr Brooks !

David I love listening to you. Your voice calms me. I love listening to you and Jonathan Capehart on PBS.

One of my mom's favorite bits of advice was to always be the first to smile when you encounter others. " You never know - yours may be the only smile they see today. Make it a nice one - they might want to smile back at you."

Wise, compassionate and so very aware human being.

Love David Brooks ❤️

As soon as he said empathy begins with mirroring, I suspected he has no empathy. Mirroring is what narcissists do to manipulate people. I agree with what he said about the schools. We should be teaching ethics in schools. We should be asking everyone for personal sacrifice for a greater good. No one does this anymore. Everyone is focused on feelings.

Perhaps America needs a ministry of Culture. I vote for David Brooks. 🌈💕

David Brooks is so inspiring! Now, when I see anyone, whether friends or strangers, I say Hello, and smile with my whole being 😊. It costs nothing, is such a great feeling, and I hope it makes their day a little nicer. Wouldn’t it be great if Mr Brooks could be the president! ❤