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  • Published: 7 January 2025
  • ISBN: 9781846046780
  • Imprint: Rider
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 352
  • RRP: $28.00

The Good Life

Lessons from the World's Longest Study on Happiness




A life-changing book on happiness from the directors of the longest study of happiness in the world and the subject of one of the top 10 TED talks ever.

THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

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

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.

‘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

'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?

  • Published: 7 January 2025
  • ISBN: 9781846046780
  • Imprint: Rider
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 352
  • RRP: $28.00

About the authors

Robert Waldinger

Dr Robert Waldinger is Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, Director of the Center for Psychodynamic Therapy and Research at Massachusetts General Hospital, and Director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development. He is also a Zen Priest.

Marc Schulz

Marc Schulz is the Associate Director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development and Chair and Professor of Psychology at Bryn Mawr College.

Praise for The Good Life

Accessible, interesting and grounded in research - it is bound to make a difference in the lives of millions

Tal ben Shahar

In a crowded field of life advice ... 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

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

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 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

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

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

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 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

In a crowded filed of life advice ... 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

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