Why Relationships Are Your Greatest Asset: Lessons from The Second Mountain

In the quest for happiness and health, many chase wealth, status, or achievements. Yet, decades of rigorous research reveal a different truth: good relationships keep us happier and healthier, period.

The Harvard Study of Adult Development, which tracked participants for over 80 years, found that those with stable, loving relationships lived longer and enjoyed higher well-being than those who were isolated. Emotional support buffers stress, promotes healthy behaviors, and fosters resilience.

Companionate love—rooted in deep friendship and mutual respect—emerges as the strongest predictor of happiness, even more than passionate romance or material success. Real friendships require time, vulnerability, and effort, but they yield profound rewards.

Building and repairing relationships means embracing vulnerability, sharing struggles, and cultivating trust. Leaders who model openness inspire loyalty and create nurturing communities.

Imagine a person rekindling old friendships and strengthening family bonds, experiencing renewed joy and belonging. These connections become a foundation that supports us through life’s transitions and challenges.

Investing in relationships is not ancillary but central to a fulfilling life. As we nurture these bonds, we prepare ourselves for spiritual growth and the joyful second mountain ahead.

References: Insights come from 'The Second Mountain' by Arthur C. Brooks and the Harvard Study of Adult Development, supported by reviews from The Guardian, Medium, and Spectrum Magazine. 1 , 2 , 3