1: “When Alan Silva was 14 years old he was in love with the movies,” Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz write in  The Good Life: Lessons from the World’s Longest Scientific Study of Happiness.

Alan was one of 456 inner-city Boston boys selected to participate in what became known as  the Harvard Study of Adult Development.  

“They were children who grew up in some of Boston’s most troubled … continue reading

Harvard Study of Human Development, 2003 Questionnaire

Q: “What is the secret to aging well?”

A: “Happiness, caring.  Watch what you’re eating.  Try to get out and do a little walking or exercise.  Have friends.  It’s so good to have friends.” —Harriet Vaughn, Study participant, age 80

1: What does it feel like when we love someone?  Or when we know someone loves us?

“Think about how you experience … continue reading

1: The year was 1946. 

John Marsden and Leo DeMarco were both at major crossroads in their lives,”  Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz write in their book The Good Life: Lessons from the World’s Longest Scientific Study of Happiness.

Both men had volunteered to serve in the military during World War II.  John served stateside, while the Navy assigned Leo to duty in the South Pacific.

Both John and … continue reading

1: “People are terrible at knowing what is good for them,” Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz write in The Good Life: Lessons from the World’s Longest Scientific Study of Happiness.

There are several reasons for this reality.

First is our belief that happiness is something we achieve. “As if it were an award you could frame and hang on the wall,” Bob and Marc write.  

“Or as if it … continue reading