The Good Life

THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER Discover the science of happiness and how meaningful relationships hold the key to a longer, healthier and more fulfilling life, in the must-read bestseller. ‘This captivating, powerful book shows us scientifically and practically how to define, create and most importantly live the good life’ Jay Shetty , bestselling author of Think Like a Monk What if the secret to lasting happiness has been hiding in plain sight? Based on the world’s longest scientific study of happiness, the Harvard Study of Adult Development, this landmark book reveals the simple yet surprising truth:?the stronger our relationships, the more likely we are to live happy, satisfying and overall healthier lives. Drawing on over 80 years of research and hundreds of life stories, programme directors Dr Robert Waldinger and Dr Marc Schulz bring together scientific precision, traditional wisdom, incredible real-life stories and actionable insights to show us how and why prioritising meaningful connection - not financial success or achievement - is the key to a good life. Accessible, inspiring and deeply practical, The Good Life is the accessible and practical guide on how to nurture relationships, build emotional resilience and find lasting happiness. Praise for The Good Life : ‘In a crowded field of life advice and even life advice based on scientific research, Schulz and Waldinger stand apart ’ Angela Duckworth, bestselling 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? ‘ This is the book we’ve been waiting for … It couldn’t have come at a better time’ Guy Raz, journalist and podcaster ‘ Offers unparalleled insight into our nature as people ’ Peter Fonagy, Professor of Psychoanalysis and Developmental Science, UCL ‘Accessible, interesting and grounded in research - it is bound to make a difference in the lives of millions ’ Tal Ben-Sahar, author of Happy and co-founder of Happiness Studies Academy

THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER Discover the science of happiness and how meaningful relationships hold the key to a longer, healthier and more fulfilling life, in the must-read bestseller. ‘This captivating, powerful book shows us scientifically and practically how to define, create and most importantly live the good life’ Jay Shetty , bestselling author of Think Like a Monk What if the secret to lasting happiness has been hiding in plain sight? Based on the world’s longest scientific study of happiness, the Harvard Study of Adult Development, this landmark book reveals the simple yet surprising truth:?the stronger our relationships, the more likely we are to live happy, satisfying and overall healthier lives. Drawing on over 80 years of research and hundreds of life stories, programme directors Dr Robert Waldinger and Dr Marc Schulz bring together scientific precision, traditional wisdom, incredible real-life stories and actionable insights to show us how and why prioritising meaningful connection - not financial success or achievement - is the key to a good life. Accessible, inspiring and deeply practical, The Good Life is the accessible and practical guide on how to nurture relationships, build emotional resilience and find lasting happiness. Praise for The Good Life : ‘In a crowded field of life advice and even life advice based on scientific research, Schulz and Waldinger stand apart ’ Angela Duckworth, bestselling 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? ‘ This is the book we’ve been waiting for … It couldn’t have come at a better time’ Guy Raz, journalist and podcaster ‘ Offers unparalleled insight into our nature as people ’ Peter Fonagy, Professor of Psychoanalysis and Developmental Science, UCL ‘Accessible, interesting and grounded in research - it is bound to make a difference in the lives of millions ’ Tal Ben-Sahar, author of Happy and co-founder of Happiness Studies Academy

What could middle-class German supermarket shoppers buying eggs and impoverished coffee farmers in Guatemala possibly have in common? Both groups use the market in pursuit of the "good life." But what exactly is the good life? How do we define wellbeing beyond material standards of living? While we all may want to live the good life, we differ widely on just what that entails. In The Good Life , Edward Fischer examines wellbeing in very different cultural contexts to uncover shared notions of the good life and how best to achieve it. With fascinating on-the-ground narratives of Germans' choices regarding the purchase of eggs and cars, and Guatemalans' trade in coffee and cocaine, Fischer presents a richly layered understanding of how aspiration, opportunity, dignity, and purpose comprise the good life.

What could middle-class German supermarket shoppers buying eggs and impoverished coffee farmers in Guatemala possibly have in common? Both groups use the market in pursuit of the "good life." But what exactly is the good life? How do we define wellbeing beyond material standards of living? While we all may want to live the good life, we differ widely on just what that entails. In The Good Life , Edward Fischer examines wellbeing in very different cultural contexts to uncover shared notions of the good life and how best to achieve it. With fascinating on-the-ground narratives of Germans' choices regarding the purchase of eggs and cars, and Guatemalans' trade in coffee and cocaine, Fischer presents a richly layered understanding of how aspiration, opportunity, dignity, and purpose comprise the good life.