The Good Life

Finding fulfillment in the things that matter.

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.

I Give Thanks

posted Nov 25, 2009

An original song by Kathryn Mostow, inspired by Margaret Mead's famous quote, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

Costa Rica

posted Nov 11, 2009

Susan Hardman photographs Costa Rica, which topped the 2009 Happy Planet Index. The Index takes into consideration factors such as a country's ecological footprint and life expectancies.

Elizabeth Gilbert on the Genius in Us All

posted Sep 22, 2009

Elizabeth Gilbert discusses our impossible expectations of artists and geniuses suggesting that maybe there is a little genius in us all. It's a funny, personal, and surprisingly moving talk.

The Economics of Happiness

by Saamah Abdallah

posted Sep 21, 2009

In France, a ground-breaking commission of leading economists suggests that nations look beyond GDP.

Melia Reschools Herself

by Lynsi Burton

posted Sep 09, 2009

For her one-woman project, Reschool Yourself, Melia Dicker revisited her childhood classrooms, shadowing students and ­interviewing teachers to figure out how school had defined her adulthood.

Parker Palmer: Know Yourself, Change Your World

by Sarah van Gelder

posted Sep 09, 2009

An interview with Parker J. Palmer

Roadtrip Nation Takes the Route Less Traveled

by Madeline Ostrander

posted Sep 09, 2009

Roadtrip Nation, a personal journey turned film, then TV series, and now a youth movement, sends groups of young people out on the road every year to find out how people choose careers they’re passionate about.

No Vacation Nation

by John de Graaf

posted Sep 04, 2009

Along with paid vacation, we're missing out on happiness, better health, and a more sustainable society.

Interview with “No Impact Man” Colin Beavan

by Colin Beavan, Amy Goodman

posted Dec 29, 2008

Amy Goodman talks with Colin Beavan on Democracy Now. “And finally, on this Christmas Eve, I’m joined by a man who makes a compelling environmental case for a non-consumptive Christmas. Colin Beavan is also known as the No Impact Man. Beavan, along with his wife, their two-year-old daughter and dog, spent a year attempting to minimize their ecological footprint while continuing to live in the heart of New York City.”

Walking Through Fear :: Interview

by Frances Moore Lappé

posted Nov 05, 2008

Frances Moore Lappé’s book Diet for a Small Planet had sold 3 million copies. She co-founded organizations to fight hunger and bolster democracy. Along with her daughter, Anna, she traveled the world to gather stories for Hope’s Edge. Yet, like many of us, she experienced a time when her world crumbled…

Prison Meditation

posted Nov 04, 2008

East meets West in the Deep South. An overcrowded maximum-security prison—the end of the line in Alabama's correctional system—is dramatically changed by the influence of an ancient meditation program.

Dream House

by Dee Williams

posted Nov 04, 2008

Positive change begins at home. So when Dee Williams decided to change her life, thats where she started. In fact, she redefined what "home" meant, right down to what it was, and where it could go.

How Thankful Are You?

by Stephen Post, Mike McCullough

posted Oct 31, 2008

The more grateful you are, the happier. Want to know your gratitude score? Take the test.

This is Your Brain on Bliss

by Matthieu Ricard

posted Oct 31, 2008

After 2,000 years of practice, Buddhist monksknow that one secret to happiness is simply to put your mind to it.