

The Friendship Cure
13 snips Oct 5, 2025
In this enlightening discussion, Robert Waldinger, Director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, and Samuel Kimbriel, philosopher and author, dive into the vital role of friendship in our lives. They explore how social connections can predict long-term health and happiness. Waldinger shares insights on social fitness and the biological impacts of isolation, while Kimbriel examines the philosophical aspects of friendship and its challenges in today’s world. Together, they provide practical steps to deepen connections and emphasize the importance of vulnerability and mutual growth in friendships.
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Relationships Predict Longevity And Health
- Strong social connections predict longer, healthier, and happier lives into old age.
- Connection quality and feeling supported matter more than the number of relationships.
How Loneliness Gets Under The Skin
- Chronic social isolation keeps the body in elevated stress states with higher cortisol and inflammation.
- Ongoing physiological stress likely explains links between loneliness and disease.
Culture And Tech Fuel Social Isolation
- Modern culture and tech often mislead us into underestimating social rewards and increasing isolation.
- Mistaken assumptions and structural shifts reduce everyday opportunities for connection.