What if there was nothing to fix?

A different way to live, grounded in science, therapy, and Zen.

Preorder the book

The philosophy

Life can feel like a problem to solve.

But what if the fixing is the problem?

For more than 4 decades, Robert Waldinger has studied what makes life truly good.

Who is Bob?

Decades of research.

A lifetime of practice.

Bob Waldinger, MD, is the fourth director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development — one of the longest-running studies of human life ever conducted. His TED Talk on what makes a good life has been viewed over 50 million times.

  • Decorative circle
    Zen Priest
    Soto & Rinzai Lineages
  • Decorative circle
    Researcher
    Adult Development
  • Decorative circle
    Psychiatrist
    Board Certified MD
  • Decorative circle
    Global Speaker
    Inspiring good lives
  • Decorative circle
    Zen Priest
    Soto & Rinzai Lineages
  • Decorative circle
    Researcher
    Adult Development
  • Decorative circle
    Psychiatrist
    Board Certified MD
  • Decorative circle
    Global Speaker
    Inspiring good lives

What makes a good life?

Lessons from the longest
study on happiness

Psychiatrist Bob Waldinger, director of the 85-year old study on adult development, shares what decades of research reveal about what actually makes a good life.

Work with Bob

The book

What if there was nothing to fix?

From Robert Waldinger—director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, Zen master, practicing psychiatrist, and New York Times bestselling author of The Good Life—a revolutionary guide that draws on the latest academic research and the timeless principles of Zen Buddhist thought to teach readers how to live their best life, from one moment to the next.

Try it out

A simple meditation practice

Try a simple meditation with Bob, right here, right now.

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Insights

Mind & life

Explore meditations, talks, and videos that combine Zen practice, psychiatry, and decades of research to support a more mindful, meaningful life.

View all resources