The Work

The acclaimed author of The Other Wes Moore continues his inspirational quest for a meaningful life and shares the powerful lessons—about self-discovery, service, and risk-taking—that led him to a new definition of success for our times.
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The Work is the story of how one young man traced a path through the world to find his life’s purpose. Wes Moore graduated from a difficult childhood in the Bronx and Baltimore to an adult life that would find him at some of the most critical moments in our recent history: as a combat officer in Afghanistan; a White House fellow in a time of wars abroad and disasters at home; and a Wall Street banker during the financial crisis. In this insightful book he shares the lessons he learned from people he met along the way—from the brave Afghan translator who taught him to find his fight, to the resilient young students in Katrina-ravaged Mississippi who showed him the true meaning of grit, to his late grandfather, who taught him to find grace in service. Moore also tells the stories of other twenty-first-century change-makers who’ve inspired him in his search, from Daniel Lubetzky, the founder of KIND, to Esther Benjamin, a Sri Lankan immigrant who rose to lead the Peace Corps. What their lives—and his own misadventures and moments of illumination—reveal is that our truest work happens when we serve others, at the intersection between our gifts and our broken world. That’s where we find the work that lasts.
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An intimate narrative about finding meaning in a volatile age, The Work will inspire readers to see how we can each find our own path to purpose and help create a better world.
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Praise for The Work
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“Wes Moore proves once again that he is one of the most effective storytellers and leaders of his generation. His gripping personal story, set against the dramatic events of the past decade, goes straight to the heart of an ancient question that is as relevant as ever: not just how to live a good life, but how to make that life matter. Above all, this book is about how to make our journeys not just about surviving and succeeding, but about coming truly alive.”—Arianna Huffington, author of Thrive
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“How we define success for ourselves is one of life’s essential questions. Wes Moore shows us the way—by sharing his incredible journey and the inspiring stories of others who make the world a better place through the choices they’ve made about how they want to live. We come away from this important book with a new understanding of what it truly means to succeed in life.”—Suze Orman
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“Wes Moore puts a mirror up to himself and shares the reflection with stunning candor. A truly moving picture of personal growth, and one that will make you consider your own path, struggles, and successes in a new way, The Work is a must-read.”—General Stanley McChrystal, former commander of U.S. and international forces in Afghanistan
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“As a Rhodes scholar who fought in Afghanistan and later became a social entrepreneur, Wes Moore is a shining light of his generation—and one who captivates audiences. But he’s also humble, inquisitive, and constantly searching, which makes his story accessible, relevant, and illuminating to all of us. The Work will inspire everyone who seeks greater meaning and impact in their life.”—Charles Best, founder, DonorsChoose.org