The Good Life

What is the key to a good life?

It is a question that preoccupies us all and one that the longest and most successful study of happiness ever conducted strives to answer. In this groundbreaking book, directors of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz, bring together over 80 years of research to reveal the true components of a happy, fulfilled life.

The Good Life makes clear that what truly makes a rich and happy life is not synonymous with financial success and achievement, but is rather the result of our relationships. This remarkable work brings together scientific precision, traditional wisdom, incredible real-life stories and actionable insights to prove once and for all that our own wellbeing and ability to flourish is absolutely within our control.

Review

An outstanding book. It combines the longest and richest study of human lives anywhere with two remarkable authors of extraordinary breadth -- Sir Richard Layard, Professor of Economics, LSE and author of Can We Be Happier?

This is the book we’ve been waiting for. With grace, humor, and scientific rigor, The Good Life challenges our most stubborn assumptions, and proves that the kind of thriving, happy life we all hope for may have been hiding in plain sight all along. It couldn’t have come at a better time -- Guy Raz

In the time of 'social distancing' and a 'loneliness epidemic' understanding the importance of what makes a good life is paramount now more than ever. Both informative and practical, this book is a must read -- Julianne Holt-Lunstad, Fellow of The Society of Experimental Social Psychology

This is the most significant account of one of the most important studies in mental health, conducted and presented by the best clinician scientists in the field ... this book offers unparalleled insight into our nature as people -- Peter Fonagy, Professor of Psychoanalysis and Developmental Science, UCL

Accessible, interesting and grounded in research - it is bound to make a difference in the lives of millions -- Tal ben Shahar

The Good Life is both incredibly insightful and practical. It helps us to rethink about life's priorities and provides tangible wisdom that we can apply to our everyday lives ... it will help to benefit all of mankind for generations to come -- Carol Yu, host of Visionaries

This book will be important in both the developed and the developing world -- Ramon Florenzano Professor of Psychiatry, University of Chile

This book promises to be a true enrichment to many in our current societies -- Dominik Shoebl Researcher and Professor, University of Fribourg

This captivating, powerful book shows us scientifically and practically how to define, create and most importantly live the good life ... in a world seeking temporary and instant pleasures, this book gently encourages past the illusion towards the real joy that lies in the depths of our relationships -- Jay Shetty

Waldinger is a world expert on the counterintuitive things that make life meaningful. His book will provide welcome advice for a world facing unprecedented levels of unhappiness and loneliness -- Laurie Santos, Professor of Psychology, Yale University

About the Author

Robert Waldinger (Author)
Dr Robert Waldinger is Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, Director of the Center for Psychodynamic Therapy and Research at Massachusetts General Hospital, and Director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development. He is also a Zen Priest.

Marc Schulz (Author)
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.