The Good Life

Finding fulfillment in the things that matter.

Maryland Launches Genuine Progress Indicator

by Scott Gast

posted Apr 02, 2010

By changing what they measure, Marylanders can see for themselves whether chasing the benefits of continued economic growth is worth the costs.

The Birthday Balloon

by Shannon Hayes

posted Mar 11, 2010

Somewhere in our consumer culture, we have confused material items with expressions of love.

Why Everyone Suffers in Unequal Societies

by Brooke Jarvis

posted Mar 04, 2010

An interview with epidemiologist Richard Wilkinson, whose research shows that what the healthiest and happiest societies have in common is not that they have more, but that what they have is more equitably shared.

Buy Happy

by Caitlin Battersby

posted Feb 01, 2010

Mystified by all the labels? How to buy humane eggs and meat.

An Invitation to Sacred Intention

by Rabbi Ted Falcon, Pastor Don Mackenzie, Sheikh Jamal Rahman

posted Jan 26, 2010

Three friends from different faiths offer guidance for forming intentions that focus not on what we do or don't have, but on who we are.

Between Overworked and Out of Work

by Dean Baker

posted Jan 15, 2010

Giving employers incentives to offer paid time off would boost employment, stimulate the economy, and help the U.S. move toward a healthier life-work balance.

Is Laughter the Best Medicine?

by R. Morgan Griffin

posted Jan 07, 2010

Feeling rundown? Try laughing more. Some researchers think laughter just might be the best medicine, helping you feel better and putting that spring back in your step.

Birds on Wires Making Music

posted Dec 23, 2009

Listen to Jarbas Agnelli’s beautiful melody inspired by a photo of birds sitting on electrical wires, using the exact location of the birds to determine the melody's notes.

No Impact Man Movie Trailer

posted Dec 23, 2009

No car, no washing machine, no toilet paper? Preview how Colin Beavan and family fared in their one-year commitment to have no impact on the environment.

Why is Costa Rica Smiling?

by Lisa Gale Garrigues

posted Dec 15, 2009

How a focus on peace is helping this Central American country top the Happy Planet Index.

Spontaneous Smiley Project

by Susie Shutts

posted Dec 14, 2009

When we smile, does the whole world smile back at us?

Spontaneous Smiley Project

posted Dec 11, 2009

Ruth Kaiser, founder of the Spontaneous Smiley Project, sees smiles in everyday life. Here, she shares a few of her favorite spontaneous photographs.

Putting the Science of Happiness Into Practice

by John de Graaf

posted Dec 06, 2009

Countries around the world are beginning to apply the science of well-being to the decisions they make. News from the 5th International Conference on Gross National Happiness.

Looking Backward: Economics and the Cult of Yesterday

by Jonathan Rowe

posted Dec 01, 2009

GDP and productivity don't measure what's really going on in the economy—or in people's lives. Jonathan Rowe on measuring what matters.

Fight Climate Change: Live the Good Life

by Colin Beavan

posted Dec 01, 2009

Low-carbon living isn’t a sacrifice. Colin Beavan says it’s the good life.