The book

What makes for a happy life?

The Harvard Study of Adult Development, the longest scientific study of happiness ever conducted, shows that the answer to these questions may be closer than you realize. These insights offer simple steps to live a happier life today.

An introduction

For decades, we’ve been told a good life is built on achievement—career, wealth, status. But one of the longest scientific studies tells a different story.

Testimonials

What people are saying

“An empowering quest towards our greatest need: meaningful human connection.”

Jay Shetty

Author and podcaster

“Want the secret to the good life? Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz give it to you in this magnificent new book. Based on the longest survey ever conducted over people’s lives, The Good Life reveals who winds up happy, who doesn’t, and why and how you can use this information starting today.“

Arthur Brooks

Professor and author

“Waldinger and Schulz have written an essential — perhaps the essential — book on human flourishing. Backed by extraordinary research and packed with actionable advice, The Good Life will expand your brain and enrich your heart.“

Daniel H. Pink

Author

#1 New York Times bestselling author of Grit “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

Psychologist and author

“Welcome advice for a world facing unprecedented levels of unhappiness and loneliness.”

Laurie Santos

Professor of psychology

“This book is simply extraordinary. It weaves ‘hard data’ and enlightening case studies and interviews together seamlessly in a way that stays true to the science while humanizing it. It helps people to understand how they should live their lives, and also provides a spectacular picture of what psychology can be at its best.

Barry Schwartz

Psychologist

“The Good Life tells the story of a rare and fascinating study of lives over time. This insightful, interesting, and well-informed book reveals the secret of happiness—and reminds us that it was never really a secret, after all.”

Daniel Gilbert

Psychologist and author

“Fascinating. . . . Combining intensive research with actionable steps, this penetrating testament to the power of human connection offers gems for almost anyone looking to improve their happiness.”

Publisher Weekly

International News

What you’ll find in this book

This isn’t a theory.
It’s the result of decades of research and real lives lived.

  • What thousands of life histories reveal about what really matters

  • Why connection—not achievement—is the foundation of a good life

  • How early relationships shape the way we live today

  • What “social fitness” is, and how to practice it

  • Small, practical ways to live differently—starting now

A different way to
think about happiness.

Spotlight

Happiness isn’t something you achieve and hold onto.
It comes and goes.

What matters more is how you build your life—
through relationships, attention, and the way you meet each moment.

A good life isn’t built in big moments. It’s shaped in the small ways we relate—to others, and to our lives.

Get the book now