Rethinking ‘The Good Life’ in a World Transformed

More and more, the underlying fabric and structure of our modern lives are shifting. Take remote work, for example. According to Gallup…

La Dolce Vita Opera Night, Cleveland, OH

More and more, the underlying fabric and structure of our modern lives are shifting. Take remote work, for example. According to Gallup research, over 60% of employees now work remotely at least some of the time, a 4-fold increase since 2010. Knowledge workers, who now work from home or in coworking spaces, have vacated approximately 70% of all office space in our largest cities.

So we paused to ask ourselves a big question: what other structures of modern life have experienced similar seismic shifts like this in recent times?

Before we answer this, let’s first clear up what we are talking about when we say ‘shift.’ Here we can draw on the illuminating writings of Rishad Tobacowalla, who has written extensively about the shifts that are transforming our lives in his weekly newsletter, “Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past!” Tobacowalla outlines four main categories of shifts:

• Technology Shifts

• Power Shifts

• Boundary Shifts

• Mind Shifts

To return to our first big question, we applied Tobaccowalla’s Four Shifts framework to identify some of the biggest shifts that are changing our way of life today:

Retail shopping: The rise of online shopping and delivery has led to declining foot traffic at traditional brick-and-mortar stores. Many iconic department stores and chains have closed locations or gone bankrupt in recent years.

Media consumption: People now get news, entertainment, and information primarily through online and social media rather than traditional print newspapers and broadcast TV. This has disrupted the business models of legacy media companies.

Transportation: Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft have provided alternatives to car ownership, especially in cities. Autonomous vehicle technology also promises to disrupt personal transportation in the near future.

Banking: Mobile and online banking have become the norm, reducing foot traffic at physical branches. New financial technology companies are also disrupting traditional banking.

Relationships: Dating apps and social media have changed how people meet and interact. More relationships and connections are being formed online.

Commerce: Ecommerce platforms like Amazon and Shopify have enabled anyone to sell products online, disrupting traditional retail chains. Cryptocurrency, digital payment systems, and decentralized finance platforms (DeFi) have also emerged as alternative ways to pay for goods and services.

In addition to remote work, other structures of modern life that have experienced significant shifts include the rise of online shopping and e-commerce, which has impacted traditional brick-and-mortar retail stores; the widespread adoption of renewable energy sources in response to climate change concerns, altering the energy landscape; and the increasing popularity of digital entertainment streaming services, changing how people consume media content.

These shifts reflect the ongoing evolution of our society in response to technological advancements and changing preferences. As organizational psychologist Adam Grant notes, “We’re in a time of dramatic social change. But the yearning for fulfillment, excitement, and tranquility in life endures.”

Digital transformation and new technology continue to shake up many traditional industries, businesses, and social structures, often in just the past 10–20 years. So now let’s examine how these seismic shifts are changing cultural aspirations and definitions of ‘The Good Life.’

The Ever-Evolving Notion of ‘The Good Life’

Our ideals and cultural aspirations of what constitutes ‘The Good Life’ have always evolved with the technological and societal changes of the era. Today, we are in the midst of seismic shifts in how we work, socialize, shop, and go about our daily lives. These changes are recasting society’s shared vision of The Good Life.

In the past, the suburban home filled with consumer comforts and corporate success represented the aspirational good life for many. Yet increasingly, experiences over things, personal fulfillment over wealth, and quality over quantity are valued.

As sociologist Dr. Brené Brown notes, “The notion of what makes for a successful life continues to evolve generation after generation. The timeless challenge is balancing meaning and materialism.”

Nomadic digital workers can now untether from physical offices and commutes. The priorities have shifted from climbing ladders to pursuing passions. According to a Deloitte survey, nearly 60% of millennials say their personal values drive their career choices rather than status or money.

The Rise of Remote Work Culture

With approximately half of all office space in major cities now empty, the traditional 9-to-5 office-based work culture is undergoing a profound reevaluation. The once-desired corner office now competes with the allure of flexible schedules, a healthier work-life balance, and increased autonomy.

This poses a significant cultural question: Do we prioritize status symbols of a bygone era, or do we redefine success based on personal fulfillment and work-life integration?

As philosopher Roman Krznaric observes, “The opportunities technology provides for intellectual, social, and creative growth cannot be overstated. But we must learn to leverage them towards realizing life’s deeper promises.”

The Digital Marketplace and Changing Consumer Values

The rise of e-commerce has transformed the way we shop, putting vast arrays of products at our fingertips. As consumer culture shifts from in-person shopping experiences to virtual storefronts, individual identities and aspirations are increasingly tied to the products we consume.

This poses the pressing question: Are our purchases an expression of personal values, or are they inadvertently reinforcing materialistic pursuits as the basis of ‘The Good Life’?

Positive psychologist Dr. Robert Biswas-Diener notes, “While today’s cultural aspirations center on self-expression and creativity, the longing for stability, community, and intimacy remains innate.”

The Climate Change Imperative

As we confront the reality of climate change, a shift towards renewable energy sources has emerged as a global imperative. However, this transition is not solely about addressing environmental concerns but also about reevaluating what it means to lead a fulfilling life.

Can we redefine ‘The Good Life’ beyond excessive consumption and prioritize sustainability and stewardship of the planet?

The Streaming Entertainment Revolution

In the era of streaming platforms and endless entertainment options, cultural aspirations are evolving from traditional communal experiences to individualized consumption.

This has challenged our shared understanding of what constitutes a ‘Good Life’ by raising questions about the value of authentic human connections, empathy, and the balance between virtual and real-world experiences.

As Harvard psychologist Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar emphasizes, “The Good Life has always meant participating meaningfully in the world. Though the means change, the ends remain human flourishing, connection, and self-realization.”

The Paradox of Online Connectivity

The rise of online dating and social media has created paradoxical effects. According to a recent Stanford study, couples who met online are 22% more likely to be in longer, more committed relationships than those who met offline.

More connections are made, but there is increasing concern over the loss of authentic human interaction. A 2021 Michigan State University study found heavy social media use was associated with a greater sense of social isolation.

While becoming ever more connected, some report feeling more isolated and longing for community. The double-edged sword of technology is weighing on our well-being.

Empowering Passions as Livelihoods

Meanwhile, entrepreneurial creators can now find audiences and monetize niche passions online. Revenue from the creator economy is projected to grow to over $100 billion by 2025, according to SignalFire research.

The barriers to manifesting ideas into reality are lower than ever. The corporate ladder is not the only path forward anymore. One can now build a career and life around almost any interest.

As psychologist Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman explains, “The ultimate goal is living with purpose, integrity, and vitality—however that manifests given society’s constraints and opportunities.”

Imagining ‘The Good Life’ Amidst Uncertainty

While seismic shifts generate uncertainty, they also expand the horizons of possibility. The allure of returning to the simplicity and familiarity of the past persists. But as futurist Amy Webb cautions, “Nostalgia must be balanced with imagination.”

The opportunities unlocked by emerging technologies and cultural change are boundless. This period of turbulence is a time to redefine our notions of success, community, self-actualization, and what constitutes ‘The Good Life.’

The old dreams may fade, but new and better ones can emerge. Progress depends on embracing this multiplicity of aspirations.

Innovative Companies Providing New Solutions

Today’s changes are reshaping shared aspirations, and innovative brands are creating a new ecosystem to serve our evolving needs.

For example, Patagonia, the renowned outdoor clothing and gear company, has set an example for other brands by placing environmental sustainability at the core of its business model. They actively promote the use of recycled materials, reduce waste through their Worn Wear program, and donate a percentage of their profits to environmental causes.

By aligning their products with eco-conscious values, Patagonia appeals to consumers seeking to live ‘The Good Life’ that prioritizes responsible consumption and environmental stewardship.

Other companies reshaping their business practices around this idea include:

Remote working spaces like WeWork facilitate workplace flexibility without being tethered to a desk or city.

Social media platforms like Strava and Peanut help people find meaningful community around interests and life stages.

Digital creator platforms like Patreon and Teachable empower passion projects as livelihoods.

Financial tools like Acorns and Digit enable micromanaging investments and savings towards life goals.

Subscription services for experiences like Airbnb Adventures that provide curated adventures for fulfillment.

Digital mental health platforms like Calm and Headspace meet the need for mindfulness and self-care.

The Good Life is ever-evolving. While unsettling, change opens new possibilities. As futurist Vanessa Mason reminds us, “Amidst turbulent technological change, we must remember timeless truths around community, empathy, and our shared humanity.”

Innovative companies can help people achieve fulfilling lives aligned with emerging priorities. The future Good Life will surely look different than the past, but it need not be worse. Progress depends on imagination and adaptation.

The Evolving Pursuit Over Generations

While the pace of change feels rapid, aspirations have historically morphed gradually over generations. Looking back helps provide context on how ‘The Good Life’ has and will continue to evolve.

Rewind to the 1950s post-war boom, when American culture venerated suburban homes, consumer goods, and traditional family structures as ‘The Good Life’. Social historian Dr. Laura Shapiro described this as the “ultimate aspiration of homeowners with well-stocked kitchens and backyard barbecues.”

As the 1960s counterculture challenged traditional values, the 1970s environmental movement influenced a desire for more sustainability and work-life balance. Workaholism and materialism no longer define success for many.

According to sociologist Dr. Margaret Nelson, “The accumulation of wealth and status no longer define success as they once did. Living authentically and leaving a positive legacy are the emerging hallmarks of a life well lived.”

The 1980s yuppie culture focused again on wealth and status but also emphasized lifestyle amenities. The 1990s dot-com era brought excitement around risk-taking entrepreneurs and technological progress. Yet the 2000s housing bubble burst led to a wariness of overspending.

Now, with technological connectivity and mobility, priorities revolve around experiences, creativity, community, and belonging. But the shadows of past generations’ dreams remain, a future vision emerging from the fading past.

While the present moment feels exceptional, the underlying hopes of human hearts usually change only gradually. Aspirations morph over decades and centuries, yet common threads connect us through time. As Dr. Shapiro notes, “We still measure The Good Life in many of the same ways.” The tides ebb and flow, but a timeless sea remains.

Perspectives on Our Changing Values

The work of thought leaders highlights the multifaceted journey of society’s evolving definition of the Good Life’ since the turn of the century. From materialism to sustainable living and from workaholism to self-actualization, these insights illuminate the rapid changes in cultural aspirations.

As historian Yuval Noah Harari observes, “The 21st century has witnessed a profound shift in the pursuit of happiness. For centuries, material wealth and social status were considered the ultimate markers of ‘The Good Life.’ However, as society becomes more interconnected, we see a growing realization that true happiness lies in experiences, personal growth, and a sense of purpose beyond the accumulation of possessions.”

As Arianna Huffington, founder of The Huffington Post and Thrive Global, notes, “Our understanding of the Good Life’ is undergoing a revolution. It is no longer about burnout and unrelenting ambition; instead, it’s about prioritizing well-being, mindfulness, and meaningful connections.”

Urban studies theorist Richard Florida emphasizes how 21st-century cities have enabled new pursuits of ‘The Good Life’ beyond the traditional office routine. In his book The Rise of The Creative Class, he notes that “the pursuit of the Good Life’ is now about fostering creative and vibrant communities that embrace diversity, flexibility, and belonging.”

Eminent psychologist Sherry Turkle argues that “As we immerse ourselves in digital spaces, we must grapple with the impact of technology on our identity, empathy, and connections.” She believes balancing digital and face-to-face interactions is key.

Leading economist Juliet Schor highlights a shift from consumerism to sustainable living. She explains, “As society becomes more environmentally conscious, the new definition of ‘The Good Life’ encompasses values of ethical consumption, minimalism, and responsibility.”

Imagining the Future Of The Good Life

While the exact future remains unknowable, we can discern insightful patterns. As futurist Jacob Morgan predicts, “Finding purpose will matter more than traditional jobs” as AI transforms the workforce. ‘The Good Life’ may mean contributing to communities in new ways.

Futurist Alex Steffen foresees that “living lighter through simplicity and moderation rather than material excess” will be vital as climate change accelerates. Sustainable living may redefine success.

And as futurist Dr. Jennifer Gidley explains, “To thrive amidst uncertainty, The Good Life may mean cultivating resilience, adaptability, and hope for coming generations.” Finding meaning amidst chaos may motivate us.

By balancing technology’s gifts and risks with enduring human virtues, we can create an inspiring vision of ‘The Good Life’ for the decades and centuries ahead. One that resonates across generations, adapting enduring values to the opportunities of the future.

The Good Life has always been a moving target, evolving across the years. While its exact contours are unclear, we know that at its core lie human flourishing, purpose, and community. Our shared journey continues, propelled by imagination.