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The Good Life

Lessons from the World's Longest Study on Happiness

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The Good Life

By: Robert Waldinger, Marc Schulz
Narrated by: Robert Waldinger, Marc Schulz
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

'In a crowded field of life advice and even life advice based on scientific research, Schulz and Waldinger stand apart' Angela Duckworth, author of Grit

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.

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

'This captivating, powerful book shows us scientifically and practically how to define, create and most importantly live the good life' Jay Shetty

©2023 Robert Waldinger & Marc Schulz (P)2023 Penguin Audio

 Personal Development Personal Success Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Self-Esteem Happiness Health Inspiring Mental Health

Critic Reviews

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)
All stars
Most relevant
The results from this study are quite fascinating and I enjoyed hearing about the generations that took part especially. It’s amazing what things stick through families.

An excellent insight into the human condition

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Well worth your time. For well read people in this field it will be a complement to existing excellent research in the area. For others it is an excellent primer on the importance of building relationships over time.

Limitations of an 80 year longitudinal study in terms of gender, geographic and ethnic diversity are handled well. Some readers may wish to supplement their thinking with some other more diverse studies. The authors note where they have done this.

I will buy the hard copy to keep as a reference.

Social Fitness is Critical to Human Flourishing

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Fascinating, insightful and beautiful. This book is a wonderful combination of scientific research and life affirming guidence for how to live a good life. The authors give so much of themselves and this brings the book to life in the most profound and poignant way. Thank you for your extraordinary work and heart.

Life changing and affirming. Very grateful!

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The sheer length of this study is impressive, but the quality of the research and insights is excellent. Highly recommended reading.

Excellent insights

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love love LOVED this!! a simplified explanation of what makes for a happy life and you might be surprised to learn some of these facts. i only wish that the author with his enthusiastic excitement had done all of the narrative. i especially loved when he narrated.

a happy life

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