What does it really mean to live a good life? For centuries, that question has been asked by philosophers, theologians, and thinkers from every corner of the globe. But today, a sweeping new scientific effort is attempting to answer it in unprecedented, data-driven detail—and the early results may surprise you. The Global Flourishing Study, a landmark five-year project surveying more than 200,000 people across 22 countries, is redefining what it means to flourish. Not just to survive, or even to be happy—but to thrive in a deep, meaningful, multidimensional way. Backed by Gallup and powered by a team of over 40 scientists and researchers across disciplines and continents, the study measures well-being in six key dimensions: happiness, health, meaning, character, relationships, and financial security. The findings challenge some long-held assumptions. Despite their wealth, countries like the United States and Sweden scored relatively low on overall flourishing, largely due to lower levels of meaning and connection. Meanwhile, nations like Indonesia, Mexico, and the Philippines—though less affluent—ranked among the highest, buoyed by strong social ties and a shared sense of purpose. “Flourishing isn’t just about what’s in your bank account,” researchers explained. “It’s about what surrounds you—your community, your values, your ability to make sense of life’s challenges.” One of the study’s most striking revelations is the decline in well-being among young adults, who reported lower scores than their older counterparts—bucking the long-standing belief that well-being bottoms out in middle age. The data suggests that today’s youth may be increasingly burdened by mental health struggles, financial stress, and a loss of meaning. Religion also emerged as a powerful factor. In nearly every country studied—including highly secular ones like Sweden—people who regularly attended religious services reported higher levels of happiness, stronger relationships, and deeper life meaning. Researchers link this to the “four B’s” that religious communities provide: belonging, bonding, behaving, and believing. Other patterns stood out: Married people typically reported stronger support systems and greater life meaning; Those employed (even self-employed) tended to feel more secure and content; Some who endured difficult childhoods still found meaning later in life—suggesting that resilience, too, is a powerful ingredient in flourishing. Interestingly, wealthier nations often scored higher in financial stability but lower in purpose and social connection—suggesting a possible trade-off between economic advancement and existential fulfillment. And in a twist, countries with higher fertility rates often reported greater meaning in life—raising questions about whether economic development (fertility rates are lower in more developed countries) is always a net gain when it comes to holistic well-being. As vast as the data set is, researchers caution that this is just the beginning. While the standardized questions allow for global comparison, they may not capture the cultural nuances of what it means to live well. Future phases will likely involve more tailored, locally sensitive studies to deepen the insights. Still, the early message is: Flourishing isn’t about chasing a single formula. It’s about building lives—individually and collectively—that are not just full, but fulfilling. “The good life,” the study reminds us, “is more than just feeling good. It’s about becoming whole.” (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)