The Good Life: A workshop from the world's longest happiness study

Come to this very Special Workshop, then stay for services!

The Good Life: July 27, 2025 - Clergy, psychologists, and laity, among others, have frequently pondered the question, “What constitutes a good life?” Professional success? Reproduction? Resource acquisition? Wisdom accrued over time? Human curiosity begs these questions and more. In the longest-running study of human functioning, Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz describe very specific components of a good life. Their conclusions are striking and straightforward, substantiating several key tenets of Bowen theory. Participants will apply their own thinking and experiences to an understanding of the good life, whether from their faith communities, families, or friendship circles.

Anthony J. (Tony) Wilgus, faculty emeritus from the University of Findlay, taught social work for 28 years, subsequent to a 10-year stint as a clinical social worker and administrator. After graduating from the University of Michigan, he entered the postgraduate training program at the Georgetown Family Center from 1979 to 1981. Since that time, he has attended the annual symposia, presented numerous papers, and published manuscripts on a wide range of topics rooted in the family theory originated by Dr. Murray Bowen.