What makes for a happy, fulfilling life? A good life? Doctors Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz, directors of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, addressed these eternal questions in the world’s longest scientific study of happiness. Spanning eight decades, three generations, and thousands of lives, the study is an extraordinary scientific endeavor that is still going strong. The result has been surprisingly simple: Good relationships keep us happier and healthier. Period.
One of TIME magazine’s most anticipated books of 2023, The Good Life: Lessons from the World’s Longest Scientific Study of Happiness is out today and brings amazing insights to light through the life histories of dozens of participants in the Harvard Study. Their research makes clear that wellbeing is not synonymous with financial success and achievement, but flows from the quality of our relationships. An ode to how connections act as critical shapers of well-being, The Good Lifeshows us it’s never too late to strengthen the relationships you have, and never too late to build new ones.
The Good Life teaches us about what social fitness is and how to exercise it; why happiness is not something you achieve; the early childhood factors that shape happiness in mid- and late- life; the unexpected benefits of having a close colleague at work; and most importantly, the steps you can take today to live a happier life.
As our friends, we wanted to give you a preview of what’s in the book by sharing Robert Waldinger’s TED talk, which is one of the most watched TED Talks of all time. We hope you will take a look, and we look forward to living the good life together.
Your Friends,
Rachel, Bella, Doug, Janelle, Sarah, Alyssa, Jordan, Mark, and Ty
