Plain English with Derek Thompson

Happiness in America, Part 1: The Secret to a 'Good Life,' According to an 80-Year Study

Feb 28, 2023

Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz, both pivotal figures in the Harvard Study of Adult Development, share fascinating insights from their extensive research on happiness. They reveal how despite our connected world, loneliness is on the rise. The duo emphasizes the importance of social fitness in promoting well-being and longevity. They discuss the transformative power of meaningful relationships and personal growth, illustrating how purpose and connection truly define a fulfilling life.

01:00:42

Episode guests

Marc Schulz

Robert Waldinger

Highlights

AI Chapters

Episode notes

The Benefits of Exercise for Mental Health

01:07

The Importance of Social Fitness

01:55

The Role of Relationships in Post-Traumatic Growth

00:41

The Cost of Pursuing Success

01:24

Intro

6min

The Power of Social Fitness

27min

Evolving Through Life: Growth and Resilience

12min

Transformative Power of Presence and Connection

4min

The Beauty of Mundane Lives and the Power of Purpose

4min

The Essence of Connection: Do We Matter to Others?

2min

Americans have never had more access to social technology. It’s easier to talk to friends and family members hundreds of miles away; easier to see their faces; and easier to find single people to date. But if you ask them, Americans today will say they are as lonely as or lonelier than any time on record. The amount of time all Americans spend alone has increased every year for about a decade.

What's going on?

Today’s episode is about the longest study on happiness in U.S. history — the Harvard Study of Adult Development. Our guests are the study's director and associate director, Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz. They are the authors of a new book, 'The Good Life,' about what their study should teach all of us about the secret to a long and fulfilling life.

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