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The Good Life

Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Good Life by Hugh Mackay explores the profound question of what makes life truly worth living. Drawing on decades of research into Australian values and aspirations, Mackay argues that true fulfilment comes not from wealth or status, but from selflessness, meaningful relationships and genuine connection. The book delves into the Golden Rule across religion, philosophy, politics, business and family life, challenging common distractions like the pursuit of pleasure and control.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

Ideal for readers interested in philosophy, psychology and social values, as well as those seeking insights into living a more meaningful and connected life.

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"No one can promise you that a life lived for others will bring you a deep sense of satisfaction, but it's certain that nothing else will."

"No one can promise you that a life lived for others will bring you a deep sense of satisfaction, but it's certain that nothing else will."

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

No one can promise you that a life lived for others will bring you a deep sense of satisfaction, but it's certain that nothing else will.

Hugh Mackay has spent his entire working life asking Australians about their values, motivations, ambitions, hopes and fears. Now, in The Good Life, he addresses the ultimate question: What makes a life worth living?

His conclusion is provocative. The good life is not the sum of our security, wealth, status, postcode, career success and levels of happiness. The good life is one defined by our capacity for selflessness, the quality of our relationships and our willingness to connect with others in a useful way.

Mackay examines what is known as the Golden Rule through the prisms of religion, philosophy, politics, business and family life. He explores the numerous and often painful ways we distract ourselves from this central principle: our pursuit of pleasure, our attempts to perfect ourselves and our children, and our conviction that we can have our lives under control.

Argued with all the passion and intelligence we have come to expect from one of Australia's most prolific and insightful authors, The Good Life is a book that will start conversations, ignite arguments and possibly even change the way we live our lives.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781743538937

Publisher: Pan Macmillan Australia

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 22 December 2015

Country: Australia

Imprint: Pan Australia

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 23.0mm

Width: 133.0mm

Height: 203.0mm

Weight: 209g

Pages: 272

About the Author

Hugh Mackay is a prolific and well-known social researcher, writer and commentator in Australia. Hugh was a newspaper columnist for over 25 years, and is now an honorary professor of social science at the University of Wollongong. He is the author of nine books in the field of social psychology and philosophy, and five novels. Previous books include Why Don't People Listen? Reinventing Australia and What Makes Us Tick?.

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