Marc Schulz—associate director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development—and Meghan Sullivan—professor of philosophy and director of the Notre Dame Institute of Advanced Study—join us to explore the science and philosophy of what it means to lead a good life. In conversation with journalist and author Alanna Mitchell.

What makes for a happy life? A fulfilling life? A meaningful life?

For thousands of years, philosophers such as Aristotle, Plato, Marcus Aurelius, Iris Murdoch, and W. E. B. Du Bois have grappled with questions about how to live, and what it means to live well.

According to the ongoing Harvard Study of Adult Development—the longest scientific study of happiness ever conducted—the answer to these questions is closer than we may think.

In this conversation, Marc Schulz and Meghan Sullivan will discuss their respective books, The Good Life and The Good Life Method , to share what both science and philosophy tell us about the human search for happiness, meaning, and the answer to the age-old question: what makes life good?

The Good Life: Lessons from the World's Longest Scientific Study of Happiness

The Good Life Method: Reasoning Through the Big Questions of Happiness, Faith, and Meaning

This event is part of our signature Salon Series, where we host local and international authors, artists and thinkers in conversation about their new books and big ideas.

Toronto Public Library is committed to accessibility. Please call or email us if you are Deaf or have a disability and would like to request accommodation to participate in this program. Please let us know as far in advance as possible and we will do our best to meet your request. At least three weeks’ notice is preferred. Phone 416-393-7099 or email accessibleservices@tpl.ca

If It Makes You Happy: the science and philosophy of The Good Life