The first mountain is about building up the ego and defining the self, the second mountain is about shedding the ego and losing the self. If the first mountain is about acquisition, the second mountain is about contribution. If the first mountain is elitist—moving up—the second mountain is egalitarian—planting yourself amid those in need, and walking arm in arm with them.David BrooksThe Author of this QuoteAuthorDavid BrooksOp-Ed columnist at The Times, author of The Road to Character and The Second Mountain.