Living an Abundant Life

A conversation with spirituality and health researcher Harold G. Koenig, M.D., on what makes people truly happy

- EDWARD GRINNAN

Are you a happy person? It’s a question I’ve been asking people lately. You might think the answer is an easy one. But hold on: There are many shades of happiness and many paths to finding it. Still, happiness appears fundamental to who we are, so much so that we may be hardwired for achieving it, which might be why Thomas Jefferson put it in the Declaration of Independence, fused to life and liberty.

Is happiness holy? Beyond my pay grade, I’m afraid. So I asked a wise old friend of Guideposts, Dr. Harold G. Koenig, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and the director of the Center for Spirituality, Theology and Health at Duke University.

Edward Grinnan Tell us a little bit about your work.

Harold G. Koenig I’ve been doing research on spirituality and health for more than 40 years, seeing how a person’s religious beliefs are connected to their mental, social, behavioral and physical health.

Edward We’re here to talk about happiness. So let me ask: Are you a happy person?

Harold I think so.

Edward Why are you happy?

Harold I’m a Christian, which really informs all aspects of my life and my relationships and my work. So that’s really the basis for my happiness.

Edward Are we hardwired as human beings to be happy?