David Brooks
NYT columnist | Author of The Road to Character and How to Know a Person
David Brooks is a Communication & Influence speaker who has appeared at 5 events including Aspen Ideas Festival and How To Academy, most recently in 2026.
About
David Brooks is a New York Times columnist and author whose books including 'The Road to Character,' 'The Social Animal,' and 'How to Know a Person' have shaped contemporary conversations about morality, meaning, and connection. A PBS NewsHour commentator and Yale teaching fellow, he brings conservative perspectives to mainstream audiences while advocating for deeper human connection across political divides.
His writing explores how we build character, form relationships, and create meaningful lives. With 3 talks at major events, he speaks on character formation, building deeper relationships, and bridging cultural and political divides.
What David Talks About
Redefining success beyond professional achievements and social status
The psychology behind human decision-making and social behavior
Building meaningful communities and deeper human connections
Cultural myths about happiness and what actually creates fulfillment
Balancing career ambitions with personal values and character development
Talks4
The lies our culture tells us about what matters -- and a better way to live
Our society is in the midst of a social crisis, says op-ed columnist and author David Brooks: we're trapped in a valley of isolation and fragmentation. How do we find our way out? Based on his travels across the United States -- and his meetings with a range of exceptional people known as "weavers" -- Brooks lays out his vision for a cultural revolution that empowers us all to lead lives of greater meaning, purpose and joy.
Should you live for your résumé ... or your eulogy?
The social animal
More Talks
David Brooks at Aspen Ideas Festival 2024
| Event | Year | Location | Talks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aspen Ideas Festival | 2026 | 🇺🇸Aspen, United States | 1 |
| Aspen Ideas Festival | 2025 | 🇺🇸Aspen, United States | 1 |
| How To Academy | 2023 | 1 | |
| TED2019 | 2019 | 🇨🇦Vancouver, Canada | 1 |
| Aspen Ideas Festival | 2018 | 1 | |
| TED2014 | 2014 | 🇨🇦Vancouver, Canada | 1 |
| TED2011 | 2011 | 🇺🇸Long Beach, United States | 1 |
| Aspen Ideas Festival | 1 |
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Who has David shared a stage with?
Speakers who appeared at the same event editions as David
| Speaker | Shared events | Where they appeared together |
|---|---|---|
| Louie SchwartzbergFilmmaker & Producer | Celebrating Life Through Breathtaking Imagery | 2 | TED 2011, TED 2014View shared history → |
| Paul BloomYale Professor | Psychology of Morality & Emotional Life | 2 | TED 2011, TED 2014View shared history → |
| Sarah KayPoet & Educator | Inspiring Authentic Self-Expression | 2 | TED 2011, TED 2019View shared history → |
| Skylar TibbitsMIT Design Researcher | Self-Assembly Lab Founder | 2 | TED 2011, TED 2019View shared history → |
| Stanley McChrystal4-Star General | Leadership in Emerging Technologies | 2 | TED 2011, TED 2014View shared history → |
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