The Social Animal: A Story of Love, Character and Achievement

New York Times columnist David Brooks’s new book, The Social Animal: A Story of Love, Character and Achievement, (Random House, 2011) seeks to enhance our understanding of the human unconscious and, what he terms, “the rich underwater world where character is formed and wisdom grows.” In constructing the lives of a hypothetical couple “Harold and Erica,” Brooks illustrates how the inner workings of the human mind influence everything from emotions, desires, personality traits, relationships and achievements to major life decisions, including marital partners and career paths.

On March 10, Brookings hosted a discussion with Brooks about the cognitive revolution of the last 30 years, and how the study of the brain has unlocked new insights into the human mind and human behavior. Brookings President Strobe Talbott provided introductory remarks and Senior Fellow E.J. Dionne lead a discussion with Brooks.