Books & Writers · The Creative Process: Novelists, Screenwriters, Playwrights, Poets, Non-fiction Writers & Journalists Talk Writing, Life & Creativity

ROBERT WALDINGER - Co-Author of The Good Life: Lessons from the World's Longest Scientific Study of Happiness

Dec 22, 2023
Dr. Robert Waldinger, a Harvard psychiatrist and director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, explores the keys to a fulfilling life. He contrasts individualistic American culture with the communal values of places like Bhutan, discussing their impact on happiness. Waldinger highlights loneliness as a significant barrier to well-being and emphasizes the importance of relationships over status. He also shares insights on creativity as a means of connection, advocating for mindfulness and meaningful interactions with loved ones.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
ANECDOTE

Henry And Rosa's 50‑Year Conversation

  • Henry and Rosa sat at their kitchen table after 50 years of marriage to answer, "What is your greatest fear?".
  • Henry's fear was being left behind if Rosa died, illustrating long‑term relational dependency.
INSIGHT

Collective Versus Individual Well‑Being

  • American culture emphasizes individual happiness while some cultures prioritize communal well-being.
  • Bhutan requires laws to describe effects on community wellbeing, showing a collective approach to policy.
INSIGHT

Lifespan Development Is Ongoing

  • The Harvard Study began in 1938 to study normal adult development, a radical idea then.
  • It showed development continues through adulthood rather than stopping in the twenties.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app