The Good Life

The central message of The Good Life is that happiness and fulfillment come primarily from the quality of our relationships. Decades of research show that strong social connections improve both mental and physical health, increase resilience during difficult times, and provide a lasting sense of meaning. While achievements, wealth, and status may bring temporary satisfaction, they cannot replace the emotional support and belonging created through close relationships.

Living a good life therefore requires deliberate attention to our social world. By nurturing friendships, strengthening family bonds, expressing appreciation to loved ones, and being present during interactions, we build the connections that sustain us throughout life’s challenges. In the end, the most meaningful measure of success is not how much we accomplish alone, but how deeply we connect with others.

Robert Waldinger is a psychiatrist, professor at Harvard Medical School, and director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, one of the longest-running studies of human life ever conducted. His work focuses on understanding how relationships influence happiness, health, and longevity.

Marc Schulz is a psychologist and co-director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development. He specializes in the psychology of relationships and the ways social connections shape emotional well-being.

Together, Waldinger and Schulz combine decades of scientific research with practical insights to explain how meaningful relationships form the foundation of a fulfilling life.