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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.

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 audiobook, 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.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2023 Robert Waldinger and 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)
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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Im a psychologist and I’ve always been interested in the Harvard Study of Human Development and this book is a wise, warm, considerate and moving recount of its findings and the lives of its participants. The writers/narrators speak from a place of expertise and still manage to convey a real sense of warmth for each other and the work they do. It was a joy to listen to. I’ll recommend it to everyone.

A wonderful exploration of the power of relationships

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Essential reading for life.
Well written, concise and well read. The authors navigate some of the most important questions of what makes a good life, with relevant examples and evidence.
Do not miss it.

You haven’t read this book yet?!?

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What a journey this book took me on, reaching middle age recently had me thinking what life was all about this book helped me see that my path had been blessed and full of joy and good fortune. Even with the struggles I’ve faced.

Wonderfully researched and written

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I’m sorry but I just CANNOT stand the narrator’s voice from the second chapter. I’m sure the authors are nice people, but they should not be narrating the book themselves. I made it three minutes into the second chapter and I just had to stop.
I can’t give a proper review for the story, as I cannot bring myself to listen to this audiobook any longer. It’s a shame.

PLEASE get a professional narrator

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