by
Robert Waldinger M.D. (Author)
Marc Schulz Ph.D (Author)
Updated at: 09/01/2025
In The Good Life: Lessons from the World's Longest Scientific Study of Happiness, Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz, directors of the landmark Harvard Study of Adult Development, reveal the key to a fulfilling life: strong relationships. Based on 85 years of research following hundreds of participants, this New York Times bestseller unveils the profound impact of connections—from family and friends to colleagues and community—on our health and happiness. Drawing on compelling personal stories and scientific findings, the authors demonstrate how nurturing relationships contributes to a longer, healthier, and more meaningful life, dispelling common myths about what constitutes a good life. This insightful book offers practical guidance and inspiration, proving it’s never too late to cultivate deeper connections and build a richer, more rewarding existence.
4.6 / 1,941 ratings
Review The Good Life
"The Good Life: Lessons from the World's Longest Scientific Study of Happiness," by Waldinger and Schulz, isn't just another self-help book; it's a deeply insightful and surprisingly moving exploration of what truly constitutes a fulfilling life. Based on the groundbreaking Harvard Study of Adult Development, spanning over eighty years, the book offers a compelling argument that strong relationships are the cornerstone of happiness, health, and longevity. This isn't just a theoretical assertion; it's woven throughout with rich anecdotes and personal stories from the study's participants, making the research feel profoundly human and relatable.
What struck me most was the book's ability to translate complex research into easily digestible and emotionally resonant narratives. While the authors skillfully present the study's key findings – the overwhelming importance of close relationships, the surprising irrelevance of wealth and fame, and the enduring power of love and connection – they avoid overwhelming the reader with statistics and academic jargon. Instead, they paint vivid portraits of individuals navigating the complexities of life, love, loss, and aging, showcasing how these factors influenced their well-being and overall happiness. Reading about these individuals' journeys felt like peering into a window into different lives, offering valuable lessons applicable to our own.
The authors cleverly weave in practical advice, offering a framework – the WISER acronym – for improving our relationships. While I appreciated this practical element, I did find some sections slightly repetitive, and at times, I wished the authors had delved deeper into the raw data and the nuanced complexities of the longitudinal study. More extensive excerpts from the participants' stories or reflections would have enhanced the narrative, allowing the power of the research to speak for itself even more powerfully.
Despite this minor quibble, the book's overall impact is undeniable. It’s a gentle nudge towards introspection, encouraging readers to reflect on their own relationships and how they might nurture them more effectively. The book doesn't shy away from the challenges of life – the inevitable conflicts and disappointments – but instead emphasizes the importance of empathy, understanding, and consistent effort in maintaining meaningful connections. It offers a valuable reminder that life's greatest treasures are not material possessions or professional achievements, but the love, support, and shared experiences we build with others.
I found the book particularly helpful in its gentle prompting to take stock of my own life and relationships. It's not a quick read, but rather a book meant to be savored, pondered, and perhaps even journaled alongside. It's a book that encourages a slower pace of life, urging readers to prioritize meaningful connections and cultivate a deeper sense of presence and intentionality in their daily lives. While "The Good Life" isn't a perfect book, its profound message of the primacy of human connection transcends any minor shortcomings. It's a thoughtful and insightful read that resonates long after you've turned the final page, leaving you with a renewed appreciation for the simple yet powerful impact of genuine human connection.
