Arthur Brooks on How to Break Free from the Striver’s Curse in Midlife

Video Description

What if everything you’ve been taught about happiness and success is upside down? In this episode of Midlife Chrysalis, Chip Conley talks with Arthur Brooks, Harvard professor, bestselling author, and former French horn prodigy, about his remarkable journey from the concert stage to the world of behavioral science. Together, they unpack why strivers burn out, how our brains shift from fluid to crystallized intelligence, and the simple formula that can turn midlife from a crisis into a transformation. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation. Listen now and start rethinking your own second curve. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:05 Chip's introduction to Arthur Brooks 03:25 Arthur Brooks’ origins and family background 04:43 Religious upbringing and conversion to Catholicism 06:44 Navigating academia and faith in secular environments 08:53 Early music training and struggles to become the best 14:09 Striver mentality and American entrepreneurship DNA 18:27 Leaving music for economics and behavioral science 22:36 Imposter syndrome and skills learned from performance 26:01 Becoming CEO of the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) 30:49 Burnout, midlife shift, and vital plane encounter 36:44 Realizing the need for a second curve 39:55 How we move from fluid to crystallized intelligence 44:27 Airbnb and the role of “modern elder” wisdom 46:49 Shifting into careers with crystallized intelligence 49:22 The danger of pride and Dante’s frozen Satan metaphor 52:00 The secret to second-curve happiness 56:37 Editing life instead of accumulating 57:39 Generativity, religion, and aging with meaning 59:00 Policy thoughts on midlife education & wisdom schools 1:03:41 Wisdom bumper sticker 1:07:12 Closing reflections from Chip Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/