The Second Morning is a short story for those navigating the transition into retirement, a time that can feel disorienting and empty despite being a long-awaited prize. It argues that a lifetime spent building an identity around what we do can lead to a shock of silence when work stops, creating a painful sense of purposelessness and a loss of relevance. The book introduces the concept of the Achievement Engine, a powerful but unsustainable motivator fueled by external validation, ambition, and pressure that ultimately stalls in retirement. As an alternative, the author proposes the Engagement Engine, which is powered by internal sources of fulfillment, specifically the psychological needs for Autonomy, Competence, and Relatedness. The book's central message is a profound shift from a life of external achievement to one of soulful expression. It invites readers to redefine success, not by building monuments, but by weaving a legacy through presence, kindness, and genuine connection. Ultimately, The Second Morning frames retirement not as an ending, but as a Second Morning, a new beginning with the freedom to live a more authentic and whole life.