Question 5: On the Good Life

Published June 14, 2026

How do you define the idea of the good life?

Rachel’s Response from 2023

Every time I approach this question, I am truly fascinated by the notions it represents. It is not a question that is meant to ask about being successful, having lots of money, or gaining your dream life or house. Yet people often take that approach when answering this question. Authors and Hollywood filmmakers alike have recognized this phenomenon, and as a result we watch films such as It’s a Wonderful Life, books like A Christmas Carol, and many other stories that force us to look at our lives and prioritize what matters most. Anyone else notice that these stories are most often told during Christmas? It is a fitting time of year, but why is it that people do not reflect on these concepts all year round. 

Throughout this book, there have been questions regarding what we want to do with our lives, who we want to trust, and many other topics that make us look inside ourselves. In some way, I think the thing that ties it all together is the idea of a good life because that is what we all hypothetically pursue. At least, I don’t know anyone who actively and consciously wants to have a bad life. Somehow though, challenging circumstances arise and the way we view our lives is questioned. A natural consequence of being a human in a tough world. I want to suggest something: no matter how hard life can get, I believe we can all lead good lives. We make that decision though with the thoughts we allow ourselves to have. In short, we have to make a conscious decision each day to view things in the best light possible and to hold onto hope.

With all of that in mind, here is my proposal for what constitutes a good life: A good life prioritizes love above all else. Love for family, friends, partners, animals, our planet, and any other interests that come our way. Having a life that prioritizes love above all else means that money becomes a lesser priority. Not that money is not needed in order to buy things that guarantee our survival and lifestyle, but when money loses its grasp over our priorities, we can enjoy every moment more. The best part is that somehow, things just have a funny way of working themselves out when we live with priorities that match our hearts. 

One last personal note about the idea of a good life: a good life allows us to follow our dreams, pursue our interests, and pick up any new hobbies that come along the way. I’ve heard many people say that they will go on that dream trip or do that dream activity “one day”. The hard thing about “one day” is that we don’t know what day it will be, and the longer we prolong “one day”, the more likely we will be of losing that day altogether. You are probably thinking “yeah, yeah, I know, I’ve heard it before”. I thought that too. Then I was told at age 25 that I have cancer. The fact it is not terminal is an incredible miracle because I know my circumstances could be worse, but since that day, I have been compelled to live the best life I can while I can. It is one of my deepest convictions. So, rather than wait until I retire to become a Seattle Symphony subscriber, I watched my email and their website and social media accounts, and when I saw a good promotion, I went for it. Seeing opportunities, taking leaps of faith, reaching for the stars is a really important part of the good life, but it all must remain based in love. 

Community Responses

“Being content and happy with where you are in life, being open to change, being flexible but mostly being confident in yourself. You can have a good life no matter what if you're confident and know your own worth.” ~ Genderfluid, 18.

“I do not believe I would have been able to answer this question accurately twenty (or possibly even ten) years ago. I now have a better understanding of how little material things matter in the good life. Relationships and my faith in God are at the top of the list. The love, peace and joy they bring are indescribable. Knowing my needs will be met, while experiencing all of the blessings of family, friends and giving of myself to a purpose, defines the good life for me.”~ Female, 78.

“Good effort. Patience with self in the effort. A good life is one where someone is turned outward. People need people.”~ Female, 25. 

“Having just enough that you don’t spend a lot of time trying to manage what you have…. And lots of quality time and experiences with people you love.”~ Female, 42. 

“Calm and quiet.”~ Female, 19. 

“For me, a good life is one where I’m working a fulfilling job, living in a community I love, and spending time with my family and friends on a regular basis. Money isn’t important to me, just the experiences and memories I can make with the people I love.”~ Nonbinary, 21.

“Having your health, strong loving family ties and optimism.”~ Female, 65.

“Having someone to share your dreams, happiness, and pain.good health mentality, and physically. Loving someone with the same passion that they love you.”~Female, 63. 

“Having a supportive family you feel comfortable with and trust. Also having friendships (even if just a few, the number doesn’t matter if they are genuine) . Getting to go on vacations once in a while. Have nice dinners out at restaurants once in a while. Finding a meaningful job that also has a supportive environment . Being kind to others and receiving that in return, being kind to animals.  Having a safe place to live with privacy and quiet ambience. Access to healthcare, exercise facilities, and quality food”~ Female, 27. 

“I would define this as being joyful and content with the life you have and surrounding yourself with the people and things that you love.”~Female, 26.

“The answer to this question will undoubtedly change with age. At my age, being surrounded by the love of friends and family, and the ability to enjoy beauty in whatever form it may take.”~ Female, 63. 

“A good life is when you spend it knowing God and being known by Him. You can come to know God in many ways, through meditation, reading scripture, people around you. But developing that intimacy with God is the definition of a good life. He is the ultimate fulfillment of all the dreams, hopes, and desires anyone would have. So, whether you are in the depths of despair or at the height of joy, you are fully loved and known by God. Whether in poverty or in abundant wealth, being known and loved by your creator is the best way to live.”~ 26 Year Old

“I think the idea of the good life is having a solid support system of friends and family. People can define the good life in lots of different ways. Monetary gain, having good health, a passionate career. But if these things don’t always work out, those that love you will always be there for you. Having a good support system can get you through anything and provide a good life.”~ Female, 24

“To leave the world a little bit better than you entered it.”~ Male, 42. 

My definition of the good life has changed over the years and I still find myself conflicting over what truly constitutes a good life. I have always put a high priority on the relationships in my life but it seems that often the relationships that I have with others do not satisfy. Cognitively I know the love of money is a trap, but I have learned that having enough money is a necessity in navigating the modern world. I think as I approach the good life, I am realizing the good life if a life where all elements that constitute a person are held in a balance. I want to have relationships in my life, but I am more concerned about how meaningful the relationships are rather than the number of relations I have. I want to accumulate wealth, but I do not want it to overpower the other elements of my life. ~Male, 26