How to Live a Good Life book cover

How to Live a Good Life by ed. Massimo Pigliucci Summary

How to Live a Good Life
ed. Massimo Pigliucci
3.74 (937 Reviews)
Philosophy
Self-growth
Mindfulness
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Overview of How to Live a Good Life

In "How to Live a Good Life," bestselling author Jonathan Fields reveals three essential buckets for fulfillment: connection, contribution, and vitality. This USA Today bestseller blends soulful stories with surprising science - what if true happiness requires less optimization and more meaning?

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Key takeaways

1

The Quest for a Meaningful Life in a Complex World

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What if you already have a philosophy guiding your life decisions-but never consciously chose it? This is the provocative premise behind "How to Live a Good Life," an illuminating anthology that explores fifteen diverse philosophical traditions spanning East and West, ancient and modern, religious and secular. In our age of rising anxiety and existential uncertainty, this collection arrives as a timely compass, offering practical frameworks for navigating life's complexities. Rather than prescribing a single "correct" path, the book presents a rich tapestry of wisdom traditions, each with unique insights into human flourishing. The journey begins with a fundamental question: are you living according to a philosophy you deliberately selected, or one you unconsciously inherited?

2

Eastern Wisdom: Finding Balance in an Unbalanced World

3

Western Traditions: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Challenges

4

Religious Frameworks: Faith as a Path to Meaning

5

Modern Approaches: Finding Purpose Without Certainty

6

Navigating Your Own Philosophical Path

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"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

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"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
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"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
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254
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"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
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"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
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"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

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"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

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"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

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"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
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likes
117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
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"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
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12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
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comments
254
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17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
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"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
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"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
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"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
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"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
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"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
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483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

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