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The Good Life: Lessons from the World's Longest Scientific Study of Happiness Hardcover – January 10, 2023


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A New York Times Bestseller

What makes for a happy life, a fulfilling life? A good life? In their “captivating” (The Wall Street Journal) book, the directors of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, the longest scientific study of happiness ever conducted, show that the answer to these questions may be closer than you realize.

What makes a life fulfilling and meaningful? The simple but surprising answer is: relationships. The stronger our relationships, the more likely we are to live happy, satisfying, and healthier lives. In fact, the Harvard Study of Adult Development reveals that the strength of our connections with others can predict the health of both our bodies and our brains as we go through life.

The invaluable insights in this book emerge from the revealing personal stories of hundreds of participants in the Harvard Study as they were followed year after year for their entire adult lives, and this wisdom was bolstered by research findings from many other studies. Relationships in all their forms—friendships, romantic partnerships, families, coworkers, tennis partners, book club members, Bible study groups—all contribute to a happier, healthier life. And as
The Good Life shows us, it’s never too late to strengthen the relationships you already have, and never too late to build new ones. The Good Life provides examples of how to do this.

Dr. Waldinger’s TED Talk about the Harvard Study, “What Makes a Good Life,” has been viewed more than 42 million times and is one of the ten most-watched TED talks ever.
The Good Life has been praised by bestselling authors Jay Shetty “an empowering quest towards our greatest need: meaningful human connection”), Angela Duckworth (“In a crowded field of life advice...Schulz and Waldinger stand apart”), and happiness expert Laurie Santos (“Waldinger and Schulz are world experts on the counterintuitive things that make life meaningful”).

With “insightful [and] interesting” (Daniel Gilbert,
New York Times bestselling author of Stumbling on Happiness) life stories, The Good Life shows us how we can make our lives happier and more meaningful through our connections to others.

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From the Publisher

Editorial Reviews

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"Perfect for readers of Arthur Brooks, Daniel Pink, Angela Duckworth, and other writers who delve into how to fashion prosperous, fulfilling lives. An engrossing look at why relationships matter, featuring an unprecedented abundance of data to back it up." ― Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz lead us on an empowering quest towards our greatest need: meaningful human connection. Blending research from an ongoing 80-year study of life satisfaction with emotional storytelling proves that ancient wisdom has been right all along - a good life is built with good relationships." -- Jay Shetty, bestselling author of Think Like a Monk and host of the podcast On Purpose

"In a crowded field of life advice and even life advice based on scientific research, Schulz and Waldinger stand apart. Capitalizing on the most intensive study of adult development in history, they tell us what makes a good life and why." -- Angela Duckworth, author of Grit, Christopher H. Browne Distinguished Professor of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, co-founder and CEO of Character Lab

"Fascinating. . . . Combining intensive research with actionable steps, this penetrating testament to the power of human connection offers gems for almost anyone looking to improve their happiness." ― Publishers Weekly

"Want the secret to the good life? Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz give it to you in this magnificent new book. Based on the longest survey ever conducted over people's lives, The Good Life reveals who winds up happy, who doesn't, and why—and how you can use this information starting today." -- Arthur C. Brooks, Professor, Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard Business School, and #1 New York Times bestselling author

"Waldinger and Schulz are world experts on the counterintuitive things that make life meaningful. Their bookwill provide welcome advice for a world facing unprecedented levels of unhappiness and loneliness." -- Laurie Santos, PhD, Chandrika and Ranjan Tandon Professor of Psychology at Yale University and host of the podcast The Happiness Lab podcast

"The Good Life tells the story of a rare and fascinating study of lives over time. This insightful, interesting, and well-informed book reveals the secret of happiness—and reminds us that it was never really a secret, after all." -- Daniel Gilbert, author of the New York Times best-seller Stumbling on Happiness; and host of the PBS television series This Emotional Life

"Waldinger and Schulz have written an essential — perhaps the essential — book on human flourishing. Backed by extraordinary research and packed with actionable advice, The Good Life will expand your brain and enrich your heart." -- Daniel H. Pink, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Power of Regret, Drive, and A Whole New Mind

"I'm beyond thrilled that Dr. Waldinger and Dr. Schulz are publishing the findings of the Harvard Study. Over the years, I've discussed their research and recommended Dr. Waldinger's TED talk around the world. I can hardly wait to recommend The Good Life. It's accessible, interesting, and grounded in research—and is bound to make a difference in the lives of millions." -- Tal Ben-Shahar, bestselling author of Being Happy: You Don't Have to Be Perfect to Lead a Richer, Happier Life, and Happier: Learn the Secrets to Daily Joy and Lasting Fulfillment

"This book is simply extraordinary. It weaves 'hard data' and enlightening case studies and interviews together seamlessly in a way that stays true to the science while humanizing it. And what an important lesson it teaches. It helps people to understand how they should live their lives, and also provides a spectacular picture of what psychology can be at its best. It is data driven, of course, but data are just noise without wise interpretation." -- Barry Schwartz, author of Practical Wisdom (with Kenneth Sharpe) and Why We Work

About the Author

Dr. Robert Waldinger is a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development at Massachusetts General Hospital, and cofounder of the Lifespan Research Foundation. Dr. Waldinger received his AB from Harvard College and his MD from Harvard Medical School. He is a practicing psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, and he directs a psychotherapy teaching program for Harvard psychiatry residents. He is also a Zen master (Roshi) and teaches meditation in New England and around the world.

Marc Schulz is the associate director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development and the Sue Kardas PhD 1971 Chair in Psychology at Bryn Mawr College. He also directs the Data Science Program and previously chaired the psychology department and Clinical Developmental Psychology PhD program at Bryn Mawr. Dr. Schulz received his BA from Amherst College and his PhD in clinical psychology from the University of California at Berkeley. He is a practicing therapist with postdoctoral training in health and clinical psychology at Harvard Medical School.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Simon & Schuster (January 10, 2023)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 352 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 198216669X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1982166694
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.09 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 1.3 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:

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Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
1,723 global ratings
Redefining Success for a Meaningful Life
5 Stars
Redefining Success for a Meaningful Life
There are countless ways to define success, and it’s easy to gravitate towards those that are clear and measurable—like the amount of money in the bank, the cars we drive, the houses we own, or the career titles we hold. But what if the most vital aspect of our success isn’t as easily quantified? In "The Good Life" by Robert Waldinger, the focus shifts to a much more complex, yet profoundly important measure of success: our relationships with others. This book resonated with me deeply, as it delves into the intricacies of human connections and their impact on our overall well-being.One of the reasons I love "The Good Life" is its unique blend of anecdotal stories and scientific evidence. The book draws on the 86-year-long Harvard Study of Adult Development, one of the most comprehensive studies ever conducted on human happiness and health. The personal stories from the participants of this research project provide a rich, narrative depth that makes the scientific findings come alive. Reading about real people and their life journeys allows us to see the profound impact relationships have on our happiness and longevity.Additionally, "The Good Life" doesn’t just stop at highlighting the importance of social connections; it goes a step further to show how our social dimension of wellness is intricately linked with other aspects of our lives. The book draws clear connections between our relationships and our emotional, physical, and even financial well-being. It’s fascinating to see how nurturing strong relationships can lead to better health outcomes, greater emotional stability, and even financial security. This holistic approach underscores that success in life is not just about individual achievements, but also about fostering meaningful connections with those around us.What I find particularly compelling about this book is how it redefines the idea of success. In a world where tangible achievements often take center stage, "The Good Life" reminds us that the quality of our relationships is the most significant predictor of happiness. This perspective shift encourages us to invest more time and energy into building and maintaining strong relationships, knowing that these connections are foundational to a truly successful and fulfilling life.
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Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2024
I heard about this author on a podcast and decided to purchase the book. It was an interesting read and made me really think. It is not a difficult read and breaks thoughts and ideas down in a very thorough way.
One person found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on June 11, 2024
There are countless ways to define success, and it’s easy to gravitate towards those that are clear and measurable—like the amount of money in the bank, the cars we drive, the houses we own, or the career titles we hold. But what if the most vital aspect of our success isn’t as easily quantified? In "The Good Life" by Robert Waldinger, the focus shifts to a much more complex, yet profoundly important measure of success: our relationships with others. This book resonated with me deeply, as it delves into the intricacies of human connections and their impact on our overall well-being.

One of the reasons I love "The Good Life" is its unique blend of anecdotal stories and scientific evidence. The book draws on the 86-year-long Harvard Study of Adult Development, one of the most comprehensive studies ever conducted on human happiness and health. The personal stories from the participants of this research project provide a rich, narrative depth that makes the scientific findings come alive. Reading about real people and their life journeys allows us to see the profound impact relationships have on our happiness and longevity.

Additionally, "The Good Life" doesn’t just stop at highlighting the importance of social connections; it goes a step further to show how our social dimension of wellness is intricately linked with other aspects of our lives. The book draws clear connections between our relationships and our emotional, physical, and even financial well-being. It’s fascinating to see how nurturing strong relationships can lead to better health outcomes, greater emotional stability, and even financial security. This holistic approach underscores that success in life is not just about individual achievements, but also about fostering meaningful connections with those around us.

What I find particularly compelling about this book is how it redefines the idea of success. In a world where tangible achievements often take center stage, "The Good Life" reminds us that the quality of our relationships is the most significant predictor of happiness. This perspective shift encourages us to invest more time and energy into building and maintaining strong relationships, knowing that these connections are foundational to a truly successful and fulfilling life.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Redefining Success for a Meaningful Life
Reviewed in the United States on June 11, 2024
There are countless ways to define success, and it’s easy to gravitate towards those that are clear and measurable—like the amount of money in the bank, the cars we drive, the houses we own, or the career titles we hold. But what if the most vital aspect of our success isn’t as easily quantified? In "The Good Life" by Robert Waldinger, the focus shifts to a much more complex, yet profoundly important measure of success: our relationships with others. This book resonated with me deeply, as it delves into the intricacies of human connections and their impact on our overall well-being.

One of the reasons I love "The Good Life" is its unique blend of anecdotal stories and scientific evidence. The book draws on the 86-year-long Harvard Study of Adult Development, one of the most comprehensive studies ever conducted on human happiness and health. The personal stories from the participants of this research project provide a rich, narrative depth that makes the scientific findings come alive. Reading about real people and their life journeys allows us to see the profound impact relationships have on our happiness and longevity.

Additionally, "The Good Life" doesn’t just stop at highlighting the importance of social connections; it goes a step further to show how our social dimension of wellness is intricately linked with other aspects of our lives. The book draws clear connections between our relationships and our emotional, physical, and even financial well-being. It’s fascinating to see how nurturing strong relationships can lead to better health outcomes, greater emotional stability, and even financial security. This holistic approach underscores that success in life is not just about individual achievements, but also about fostering meaningful connections with those around us.

What I find particularly compelling about this book is how it redefines the idea of success. In a world where tangible achievements often take center stage, "The Good Life" reminds us that the quality of our relationships is the most significant predictor of happiness. This perspective shift encourages us to invest more time and energy into building and maintaining strong relationships, knowing that these connections are foundational to a truly successful and fulfilling life.
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One person found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on June 22, 2023
I enjoyed this book and the premise of the massive study. I respect the amount of time and effort it has taken to reach the book's conclusions. However, the conclusion is reached quickly and repeated often; very often. The book seems to have one point and it brings it up over and over again. That doesn't make it bad but it is a bit repetitive. All in all, the book is worth your time and money to read but I don't think the conclusion will blow many minds.
3 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2023
The Harvard Study of Adult Development has followed the lives of two generations of individuals from the same families for more than eighty years. And the results from that study were just published in the book, "The Good Life: Lessons from the World's Longest Scientific Study of Happiness."
The secret to happiness? It all boils down to the relationships - that "good relationships keep us happier, healthier, and help us live longer."
All of this could have been said in an article; BUT the joy of reading this book is the stories, anecdotes, and correlational studies that bring this thesis to life.
Most importantly, you start to take stock of all the relationships you have in your life - the strong ties you have as well as the "weak" ties - and how you engage and direct your energy. It's not the end result but the process - the journey.
The authors say at the end, Recognize "that the good life is not a destination. It is the path itself, and the people who are walking it with you. As you walk, second by second you can decide to whom and to what you give your attention. Week by week you can prioritize your relationships and choose to be with the people who matter. Year by year you can find purpose and meaning through the lives that you enrich and the relationships you cultivate. By developing your curiosity and reaching out to others - family, loved ones, coworkers, friends, acquaintances - even strangers - with one thoughtful question at a time, one moment of devoted, authentic attention at a time, you strengthen the foundation of a good life.
And that is priceless inspiration.
31 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on March 21, 2024
This book is useful and shows the reader through longtime records how some people are happy and others not. What are the criteria?
One person found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2023
"The Good Life: Lessons from the World's Longest Scientific Study of Happiness" is a truly inspiring and insightful book that offers a fresh perspective on the subject of happiness. Based on the results of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, which tracked the lives of hundreds of individuals over a period of 80 years, this book provides an in-depth look at what makes people truly happy.

One of the things that I appreciated most about this book was the emphasis on the importance of relationships. The study found that strong and supportive relationships with family, friends, and community members were among the most important factors contributing to happiness. This is a valuable reminder in today's fast-paced world, where we often prioritize work and other commitments over spending time with those we care about.

In addition to relationships, the book also explores other factors that contribute to happiness, such as finding a sense of purpose, practicing gratitude, and maintaining physical and mental health. The writing is clear and accessible, making it easy to apply these insights to one's own life.

Overall, "The Good Life" is a must-read for anyone interested in living a happier and more fulfilling life. It offers a wealth of knowledge and practical advice, backed by decades of research, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to improve their well-being.
12 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Diogo Roque
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
Reviewed in Brazil on May 28, 2024
It gives a deep way to the meaning of The Good Life. It’s worth to reading and try to apply what the longitudinal study’s saying…
Barry
5.0 out of 5 stars who you are. . .
Reviewed in Canada on February 23, 2023
There is an infinite constant which is 100% generic in nature and you are a part of that love which is unique unto itself. The proof is when love says ‘Look at me.’ So how does one look at the greatest mystery in the universe? How can you see yourself as love? One way is to understand the intelligence of your sacred heart. It doesn’t have a dualistic polarized polarity of logic that the mind has. It actually solves problems of life. It’s elements of compassion explain unity, love, life, respect, honesty, justice and kindness through awareness the mind can’t. The earlier a child is taught that they are love, the better it will be to handle their progression, mission, meaning and purpose in life will be. Love loves to be loved.
3 people found this helpful
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Milly
5.0 out of 5 stars An extremely valuable book
Reviewed in Germany on May 24, 2024
I couldn’t put it down, a rarity. Excellent storytelling and writing combined with useful and practical facts.
Basher
5.0 out of 5 stars Great educational and thought provoking read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 9, 2024
An amazing summary of so many people lives, across many different backgrounds, into a simples thought provoking theme. Great read😁
2 people found this helpful
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María
1.0 out of 5 stars El libro llegó en mal estado
Reviewed in Spain on August 24, 2023
He comprado el libro de tapa blanda, y ésta llegó rota y algunas de las primeras hojas están rasgadas y arrugadas. Lo devolveré.
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María
1.0 out of 5 stars El libro llegó en mal estado
Reviewed in Spain on August 24, 2023
He comprado el libro de tapa blanda, y ésta llegó rota y algunas de las primeras hojas están rasgadas y arrugadas. Lo devolveré.
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