Commune with Jeff Krasno How to Be Happy: the Secrets, the Myths and the Science with Robert Waldinger, MD
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Feb 1, 2025 
Robert Waldinger, MD, a Harvard psychiatry professor and director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, shares insights from decades of research on happiness. He debunks common myths, highlighting that strong relationships, not wealth, are key to fulfillment. The conversation explores three forms of happiness: hedonic well-being, eudaimonia, and the psychologically rich life. Waldinger also delves into the impact of experiences over material goods, the importance of mindfulness, and how prioritizing others enhances our own happiness.
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Study Origins
- The Harvard Study of Adult Development started as two distinct studies in 1938.
- One focused on "thriving" Harvard men, while the other studied disadvantaged boys' paths to success.
Types of Happiness
- Happiness has two main types: hedonic (moment-to-moment pleasure) and eudaimonic (meaning and purpose).
- A third emerging type is psychological richness, prioritizing exciting new experiences.
Flow State
- Flow state is achieved when intention and action align, leading to a sense of fulfillment.
- It can occur in various activities, from meditation to skiing, and involves being present.
