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Review of The Good Life/Worth a read?Marie Dubuque

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

by Robert Waldinger M.D. (Author), Marc Schulz Ph.D (Author)

4.6 1,686 ratings

Editors' pick Best Books of the Year 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.

Print length

352 pages
Language

English
Publisher

Simon & Schuster
Publication date

January 10, 2023
Dimensions

6 x 1.3 x 9 inches
ISBN-10

198216669X
ISBN-13

978-1982166694
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Get to know this book

What's it about?
This book reveals the secret to a happy, fulfilling, and healthy life through the power of relationships, based on the longest scientific study of happiness ever conducted.
Amazon editors say...
Meet the people, and the groundbreaking Harvard researchers, who have cracked the code on what makes people happy.
Lindsay Powers, Amazon Editor
Popular highlight
The people who were the most satisfied in their relationships at age 50 were the healthiest (mentally and physically) at age 80.
1,864 Kindle readers highlighted this
Popular highlight
Because a rich life—a good life—is forged from precisely the things that make it hard.
1,687 Kindle readers highlighted this
Popular highlight
As an old saying goes, We are always comparing our insides to other people’s outsides.
1,064 Kindle readers highlighted this

From the Publisher

Editorial Reviews

Review

"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

Best Sellers Rank: #4,868 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #8 in Friendship (Books)
- #20 in Longevity
- #117 in Happiness Self-Help

Customer Reviews:
4.6 1,686 ratings

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Marc Schulz Ph.D
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Marc Schulz, PhD, is the Associate Director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development and an award-winning professor at Bryn Mawr College, where he directs the Data Science Program and is the Sue Kardas PhD 1971 Chair in Psychology. He completed his BA at Amherst College and his Ph.D. at the University of California at Berkeley.
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Robert J. Waldinger
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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.
See more on the author's page

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4.6 out of 5

1,686 global ratings

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Beth

Makes you think

Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2024

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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.

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aha

A very worthwhile book to read

Reviewed in the United States on March 21, 2024

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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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Dano

A wealth of important research

Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2023

Verified Purchase

I have been participating in a longitudinal study for 25 + with cognitive issues the focus. I would be fascinated to read a book written by two outstanding researchers. So, I looked forward to a super study, the 84 year Harvard Adult Development Study.
I only gave it 4 stars because I was looking for more, much more, data from the study. Of course, it is well written and they do focus on Happiness. I cannot find fault with their findings. As with all good science, the authors introduce other studies to support their conclusions about Happiness. Yes, I fully agree with the finding. Once again, I wish more info from the 84 Study. Its a marvelous effort and deserves more credit in this book.

11 people found this helpful

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J.M. Ryan

Taking Stock of a Life

Reviewed in the United States on January 12, 2023

Verified Purchase

An important book that helps you step back and take stock of a life. In brief, a distinctive book. It is substantive but not in any way arcane and academic. Distinctive in that it draws on “both” the longitudinal Harvard Adult Development Project as well as the authors extensive clinical experience. Importantly, we get glimpses here of lived lives thru the famous longitudinal Harvard study. In fact, I would have liked the authors to have drawn more extensively on that work, go deeper, draw more on the project field notes, provide more of what anthropologists call “think descriptions”. That 84 year Harvard Adult Development Study and it’s conclusions is the connecting thread in this book. Those macro conclusions concerning “relationships” and “attention” are the must get right tasks in a life. In this book, they are well illustrated with concrete case vignettes, reflective observations, and a small number of reflection questions and tools, not abstract development theories. A book that helps us see and better understand social and intimate relationships, family, marriage, friendships, the differences and emotional tensions in relationships, and the importance of attention and the need for radical curiosity in a fully lived life. Indeed, a book to read slowly. A book to ponder. A book to dialogue with and journal with. In fact, the authors at times reflect on their own lives and we see them as fellow travelers. Simply put, a book that can help you see the coherence or lack thereof in one’s own life and, importantly, where and how to live and craft a better life, a more intentional life. Not a perfect book. Overwritten in parts vs. letting the powerful stories from the Harvard Adult Development Study speak for themselves. Also, a few more diagnostic and reflective tools in a stand alone appendix would make the book more a field guide and even more useful.

59 people found this helpful

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Kristin J. Arnold

Take Stock of Your Relationships to Lead a Happier Life

Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2023

Verified Purchase

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.

29 people found this helpful

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Scott

"The Good Life" is a Good Book. Read it.

Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2023

Verified Purchase

"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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Diogo Roque

Great book

Reviewed in Brazil on May 28, 2024

Verified Purchase

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

who you are. . .

Reviewed in Canada on February 23, 2023

Verified Purchase

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