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Why Good Things Happen to Good People: How to Live a Longer, Healthier, Happier Life by the Simple Act of Giving
A longer life. A happier life. A healthier life. Above all, a life that matters—so that when you leave this world, you’ll have changed it for the better. If science said you could have all this just by altering one behavior, would you?
Dr. Stephen Post has been making headlines by funding studies at the nation’s top universities to prove once and for all the life-enhancing benefits of caring, kindness, and compassion. The exciting new research shows that when we give of ourselves, especially if we start young, everything from life-satisfaction to self-realization and physical health is significantly affected. Mortality is delayed. Depression is reduced. Well-being and good fortune are increased. In their life-changing new book, Why Good Things Happen to Good People , Dr. Post and journalist Jill Neimark weave the growing new science of love and giving with profoundly moving real-life stories to show exactly how giving unlocks the doors to health, happiness, and a longer life.
The astounding new research includes a fifty-year study showing that people who are giving during their high school years have better physical and mental health throughout their lives. Other studies show that older people who give live longer than those who don’t. Helping others has been shown to bring health benefits to those with chronic illness, including HIV, multiple sclerosis, and heart problems. And studies show that people of all ages who help others on a regular basis, even in small ways, feel happiest.
Why Good Things Happen to Good People offers ten ways to give of yourself, in four areas of life, all proven by science to improve your health and even add to your life expectancy. (And not one requires you to write a check.) The one-of-a-kind “Love and Longevity Scale” scores you on all ten ways, from volunteering to listening, loyalty to forgiveness, celebration to standing up for what you believe in. Using the lessons and guidelines in each chapter, you can create a personalized plan for a more generous life, finding the style of giving that suits you best.
The astonishing connection between generosity and health is so convincing that it will inspire readers to change their lives in ways big and small. Get started today. A longer, healthier, happier life awaits you.
Dr. Stephen Post has been making headlines by funding studies at the nation’s top universities to prove once and for all the life-enhancing benefits of caring, kindness, and compassion. The exciting new research shows that when we give of ourselves, especially if we start young, everything from life-satisfaction to self-realization and physical health is significantly affected. Mortality is delayed. Depression is reduced. Well-being and good fortune are increased. In their life-changing new book, Why Good Things Happen to Good People , Dr. Post and journalist Jill Neimark weave the growing new science of love and giving with profoundly moving real-life stories to show exactly how giving unlocks the doors to health, happiness, and a longer life.
The astounding new research includes a fifty-year study showing that people who are giving during their high school years have better physical and mental health throughout their lives. Other studies show that older people who give live longer than those who don’t. Helping others has been shown to bring health benefits to those with chronic illness, including HIV, multiple sclerosis, and heart problems. And studies show that people of all ages who help others on a regular basis, even in small ways, feel happiest.
Why Good Things Happen to Good People offers ten ways to give of yourself, in four areas of life, all proven by science to improve your health and even add to your life expectancy. (And not one requires you to write a check.) The one-of-a-kind “Love and Longevity Scale” scores you on all ten ways, from volunteering to listening, loyalty to forgiveness, celebration to standing up for what you believe in. Using the lessons and guidelines in each chapter, you can create a personalized plan for a more generous life, finding the style of giving that suits you best.
The astonishing connection between generosity and health is so convincing that it will inspire readers to change their lives in ways big and small. Get started today. A longer, healthier, happier life awaits you.
306 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
93 people are currently reading
1482 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
August 5, 2023
The (main) author, Stephen Post, is a professor of bioethics at Case Western, and the president and founder of the Institute for Research on Unlimited Love (IRUL), located at the school. In this book, he makes the claim that possessing and acting on loving traits such as generosity, courage, listening, respect, creativity, humor, compassion, and so on help improve one's outlook, health, and lifespan. Citing dozens of studies commissioned and funded by his own IRUL institute, and with some dubious phrases such as "compassion may be oxytocin, the feel-good hormone" and "drumming in groups can boost the immune system" (these statements probably not approved by the FDA), he does show some evidence that altruism is linked to health.
Of course there is also a lot of reliance on correlation as well: veterans who performed acts of bravery were found to score high on maturity and emotional stability; those who volunteer to help others tend to live longer. But does volunteering make you live longer, or do healthier, positive, stress-free people volunteer? The passages on forgiveness and listening are the strongest, in my view. With practical advice including how to use Tonglen breathing, a Tibetan Buddhist technique for sending compassion into the universe, and great quotes such as "you can't hear with your heart until you silence the noise of the ego," these chapters give readers ways to improve their daily life by reducing stress. I also enjoyed some of the advice on conflict: while listening to others, accept what they say, check how your body is reacting, and instead of replying, ask yourself, how can I meet this with kindness? In all, Post's "proofs" of the benefits of living with love fall somewhere between dubious science and cultish zealotry, but shouldn't we all act like it is true anyway? After all, "compassion is the basis of morality." Until we have more rigorous proof, that's good enough.
Of course there is also a lot of reliance on correlation as well: veterans who performed acts of bravery were found to score high on maturity and emotional stability; those who volunteer to help others tend to live longer. But does volunteering make you live longer, or do healthier, positive, stress-free people volunteer? The passages on forgiveness and listening are the strongest, in my view. With practical advice including how to use Tonglen breathing, a Tibetan Buddhist technique for sending compassion into the universe, and great quotes such as "you can't hear with your heart until you silence the noise of the ego," these chapters give readers ways to improve their daily life by reducing stress. I also enjoyed some of the advice on conflict: while listening to others, accept what they say, check how your body is reacting, and instead of replying, ask yourself, how can I meet this with kindness? In all, Post's "proofs" of the benefits of living with love fall somewhere between dubious science and cultish zealotry, but shouldn't we all act like it is true anyway? After all, "compassion is the basis of morality." Until we have more rigorous proof, that's good enough.
July 15, 2008
I gave up on this one after a few chapters. I picked the book up eager to learn what science has to say about the effects of doing good--and hoping for something that would jump-start my own sputtering goodness. Doing good is good for you, the book reports. But the science receives such superficial coverage that the connection between good actions and their effects on the actor remains as hazy as ever. Besides that, the distinctions between the categories of goodness seemed pretty arbitrary. Many of the examples would have served equally well in a completely different chapter. The resulting grocery list of good deeds was neither scientifically rigorous nor particularly heart-warming.
April 15, 2008
Good Things Happen to Good People. Okay so we all know that that statement isn't completely true. All of you reading this review are probably pretty good people and likely you've had some difficulties and not so nice things happen to you. Life isn't always roses and sunshine.
Frankly, I hated this title but I liked the book. I feel like the title suggested that I get ready for some sort of sermon about how all the troubles in my life were caused by my own lack of perfection. However, once I started reading, I was happily surprised. I found stories of individuals whose lives were definitely less than perfection but who had rose above their situation to find a greater good in that experience. I believe that we experience everything for a reason and that often the most difficult situations lead us to important understandings about ourselves and the world around us. I think that often those darkest moments direct us to our passion. Illustrating this phoenix like potential in all of us is the strongest, most important point of Good Things Happen to Good People.
Frankly, I hated this title but I liked the book. I feel like the title suggested that I get ready for some sort of sermon about how all the troubles in my life were caused by my own lack of perfection. However, once I started reading, I was happily surprised. I found stories of individuals whose lives were definitely less than perfection but who had rose above their situation to find a greater good in that experience. I believe that we experience everything for a reason and that often the most difficult situations lead us to important understandings about ourselves and the world around us. I think that often those darkest moments direct us to our passion. Illustrating this phoenix like potential in all of us is the strongest, most important point of Good Things Happen to Good People.
February 13, 2020
Solid research and great stories, yet a bit pedantic and long sometimes.
May 14, 2009
My copy is a library book that I had to put down and return because it is so amazing that I feel the need to own my own copy. I must jot in margins, underline, circle and in other ways emphasis my pleasure in finding this book. This is a must read for all of humanity.
May 15, 2013
It's not as though I explicitly disagree with what this book has to say in general but I was expecting more about actual studies. Instead it was structured as a self-help book with brief references to studies.
November 17, 2008
It's a good book, but it wasn't teaching me anything new so I put it down. It's written by a colleague of my uncle's. It's a very affirming book, and has step-by-step instructions on how to live a fulfilling life.
January 14, 2011
One of the best self-help books I have ever read. I will definitely carry these wise words with me forever. Most of us know that Good Choices lead to a Good Life. This is the shot in the arm that we need to encourage us to keep going, keep giving, keep serving. Life is Good! :)
July 28, 2015
I skimmed this book. Nice ideas, couldnt keep my attention though.
November 28, 2011
There are few books that I'd recommend to everyone. This is one. It's not the most fluid writing ever. It's dense, and took me a long time to read because I couldn't get through large chunks of it at a time easily (keep in mind I've been very hectic and busy). Even so the book has made me both laugh and cry. It's has all the warm and fuzzy uplifting qualities of Chicken Soup for the Soul, but comes with instructions to live those moments rather than simply experience them vicariously. If you're familiar with "The Secret", it's along the same lines, except you replace the mysticism and crap with science and reality.
If you're a person already pursuing a life of kindness and generosity, it's an affirmation. If you're not it could be anything from a nudge to a wake up call. And most of us are some mix of the two.
My moral core is based on the Bible and my walk with God. I often don't feel like I'm doing good (or at least not any particularly spectacular goodness), because I know this is what I am supposed to be doing. At the same time, I feel the benefit of it. Maybe not immediately, but because when I help someone, their happiness becomes my happiness too.
For a logical person like me, it's very helpful to see things that I know instinctively supported scientifically. I believe the Word of God, not because I was told to, but because I constantly receive affirmations of its truth. The more I study, not just the Bible but life and science, the more I see connections.
Why Good Things Happen to Good People is not a religious book, however. At least not religious in being specifically Christian, though it does discuss religion a fair bit. It maintains the integrity of honest research. The author does a pretty good job of noting when research is limited in an area and naming specific studies which back up each claim.
Of course, my only personal reservations are going to be attatched to this disparity. I'm not capable of believing that Buddhism or nature study can provide the same level or depth of fulfilment that knowing Christ can. However I am open enough to see the benefits of certain Buddhist philosophies, and I certainly think there is great benefit in appreciating nature. I simply see nature as the created rather than the creator.
Anyway, even if you don't share my religious context or convictions, I think you'd like the book.
(note: This is a reposting of a 2008 review)
If you're a person already pursuing a life of kindness and generosity, it's an affirmation. If you're not it could be anything from a nudge to a wake up call. And most of us are some mix of the two.
My moral core is based on the Bible and my walk with God. I often don't feel like I'm doing good (or at least not any particularly spectacular goodness), because I know this is what I am supposed to be doing. At the same time, I feel the benefit of it. Maybe not immediately, but because when I help someone, their happiness becomes my happiness too.
For a logical person like me, it's very helpful to see things that I know instinctively supported scientifically. I believe the Word of God, not because I was told to, but because I constantly receive affirmations of its truth. The more I study, not just the Bible but life and science, the more I see connections.
Why Good Things Happen to Good People is not a religious book, however. At least not religious in being specifically Christian, though it does discuss religion a fair bit. It maintains the integrity of honest research. The author does a pretty good job of noting when research is limited in an area and naming specific studies which back up each claim.
Of course, my only personal reservations are going to be attatched to this disparity. I'm not capable of believing that Buddhism or nature study can provide the same level or depth of fulfilment that knowing Christ can. However I am open enough to see the benefits of certain Buddhist philosophies, and I certainly think there is great benefit in appreciating nature. I simply see nature as the created rather than the creator.
Anyway, even if you don't share my religious context or convictions, I think you'd like the book.
(note: This is a reposting of a 2008 review)
January 9, 2025
I found the book to be more often prescriptive on how to be good, rather than demonstrating empirical evidence on how being good leads to better life outcomes. Post seemed more intent on offering advice, sourced from everyone from academics to activists, to reframe our interactions with those closest to us and the world at large, instead of proving how being courageous, empathetic, respectful, etc., improved your standing in life.
There's lots of nice anecdotes, though, of overcoming adversity or of people making a difference. But sometimes it felt like Dr. Post was compiling stories from everyone he knew and giving them a shout out, effectively making the book, in large part, a tribute to them. He also seemed to lean heavily on Judeo-Christian inspiration and religious contributors.
Overall, Why Good Things Happen, a catchy title the publisher seemingly slapped onto the cover to lure eyeballs, was not what I expected.
Each chapter led with an anecdote that frequently left me puzzled on how it tied into the main premise.
I took a break to read a few other books and tried to get back into it, but I had to stop again after a few pages.
(dnf at p.155)
There's lots of nice anecdotes, though, of overcoming adversity or of people making a difference. But sometimes it felt like Dr. Post was compiling stories from everyone he knew and giving them a shout out, effectively making the book, in large part, a tribute to them. He also seemed to lean heavily on Judeo-Christian inspiration and religious contributors.
Overall, Why Good Things Happen, a catchy title the publisher seemingly slapped onto the cover to lure eyeballs, was not what I expected.
Each chapter led with an anecdote that frequently left me puzzled on how it tied into the main premise.
I took a break to read a few other books and tried to get back into it, but I had to stop again after a few pages.
(dnf at p.155)
October 22, 2007
I really enjoyed this book because the authors use science to back up the idea behind compassion, generosity, volunteering, and basically doing good. It also discusses the idea that Darwinism is actually survival of the fittest people who do good. As a teacher I am always trying to discover what makes someone good seeks to be the positive change. This book was solidified many of my own personal beliefs using scientific and longitudinal studies as evidence.
January 24, 2010
I bought this book because a woman in my Life Drawing class had heard the author speak at Case Western and was inspired by his talk, especially on his suggestion on how creativity came be used in a giving manner. It was good. I was not into taking the self-reflection tests at the end of each chapter. Too self-help book for me! Worth reading.
May 2, 2011
Persuasive language, well structured and lots of handy and bite-sized tips of how to improve your well-being by being a kinder and more generous person. This is one of the first self-help books I read. I was a little skeptical but it eventually won me over by its simplicity and its clear-cut message.
April 21, 2013
This is a feel good book. The authors present some research that shows that people who are more engaged with their fellow human beings are more likely to live longer and better. It is a very quick read. And I think the substance of the research is credible. It is a clear statement of why the social fabric that we create actually aids us.
February 1, 2010
How doing good for others enhances our own lives. Not just mentally. changing use but physically changes in our bodies. A quick easy read with great anecdotes and ideas for ways of committing acts of kindness. Food for thought
September 12, 2016
The title promises research, but this reads more like a self-help book. Coverage of research is superficial, with very little critical analysis. Why are there no notes or references?!
Enjoyable, but only as an easy, warm-fuzzy read.
Enjoyable, but only as an easy, warm-fuzzy read.
May 18, 2018
I read the first 100 pages fully and honestly skimmed most of the rest. I liked the actionable items at the end of each section. I found that I didn’t have the patience to read every story and bit of research, but I do believe some other reader would find it satisfying and inspiring.
Want to read
July 22, 2008This book was a graduation gift from a dear friend...
November 3, 2008
If this book doesn't inspire you to get out of your own head and give back, I don't know what will. It's a powerful lesson about how in helping others, we can really help ourselves.
June 17, 2009
In general I thought the book was good, though I'm not sure it provided any superior insight (for that check out Exuberance: The Passion for Life). Quick read.
October 27, 2009
Another book worth scanning through ...
Read
October 28, 2009How you can live a longer, happier and better life.
Read
April 16, 2015Excellent book
November 10, 2016
Some great pointers to follow. Love the section on forgiveness best.
July 27, 2017
This book is love !!
April 23, 2018
Some interesting research in here about how it will make you happier to be a good person. Not exactly ground breaking, but a good reminder.
January 29, 2019
Interesting research and readable. Nook.
April 1, 2019
An aspirational book.
December 25, 2023
It took me ages to read through this book- it's dense and heavy with beautiful examples. The book is formatted in 10 ways of giving across 4 realms of life. In essence, providing 40 ways to love ourselves, family, friends and the world through giving. I'm gonna get personal: as an introvert, I struggle with the feeling of selfishness in the way I need to live my life. In order to be fully present in this world and to others (including close family) I have to go within; I need to exclude myself from the world for a time to reenter in full. So, in reading books on appraising value in the amount and to the extent that one "gives", does not help with this feeling of insufficiency. Of course, as in most things, the author does show more appreciation to expressive/extroverted ways of giving, but he also lists "other" ways, For instance, there is a chapter on listening as giving. Introverts, in general are great listeners; was redeeming to see innate qualities celebrated.
Twas a good read!
Twas a good read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews