Greater Good

Articles: Why Lent Makes People Happy (and Netflix Doesn’t)

New research suggests that cutting back on life’s pleasures helps us enjoy them significantly more.

Articles: The Case for Discussing Spirituality in Schools

Research suggests that spirituality may be a natural developmental process—so what does this mean for secular schools?

Research Digest Items/Studies: Does Religion Make You Healthier in Old Age?

Articles: How Does Religion Shape Compassion?

A GGSC-sponsored study found that compassion is less important for moving religious people to perform acts of kindness. But that doesn't mean they are less compassionate!

Articles: Religious People Less Motivated by Compassion than Atheists

In three experiments co-sponsored by the GGSC, scientists found that compassion drove less religious people to be more generous.

Articles: How Altruistic is the Greater Good Community?

The results are in from the Greater Good altruism quiz—and it turns out that gender, age, and income have significant connections to generosity.

Videos and Podcasts: Forgive for You

Jack Kornfield explains that we should forgive for the sake of our own dignity and fulfillment.

Videos and Podcasts: Paul Bloom on Sex, George Clooney, and Other Pleasures

The author of How Pleasure Works explains why we do good and how to find true happiness.

Articles: Sex, George Clooney, and the Meaning of Life

Paul Bloom discusses how the psychology of pleasure can explain what we like and why we do good--part of Greater Good's podcast series.

Videos and Podcasts: Forgiveness Meditation

The acclaimed author and teacher leads a meditation to practice forgiveness of others and of oneself, and to seek forgiveness.

Videos and Podcasts: 12 Principles of Forgiveness

The acclaimed author and teacher explains the principles that are integral to the process of forgiving, according to Buddhist philosophy.

Research Digest Items/Studies: Two Degrees of Separation Can Still Reduce Prejudice against Muslims

Articles: A Call to Compassion

A review of Karen Armstrong's 12 Steps to a Compassionate Life.

Research Digest Items/Studies: Does Religion Make Us Happier and Healthier?

Articles: Is Happiness Divine?

Research looks at how our thoughts about God relate to our happiness.