Cultivating Happiness
What we know about happiness
f you’ve ever wondered what really makes for a happy, fulfilling life, you’re not alone. For nearly nine decades, the Harvard Study of Adult Development—the world’s longest-running scientific study on happiness—has been asking that same question, tracking hundreds of people from their teens into old age. The answer they’ve found is both simple and profound: lasting happiness is built on the foundation of strong, nurturing relationships.
At Farmhill, this insight isn’t just a theory—it’s the backbone of our approach to education, our commitment to community, and our embrace of neurodiversity. We believe that every learner, regardless of their unique strengths or challenges, deserves a space where relationships are nurtured, differences are celebrated, and everyone can thrive together. Let us see how the ‘alternative’ approach to education and life at Farmhill, which is often questioned on its suitability for the ‘modern, competitive, success-driven’ world, really works well with the hard evidence on what makes people happy.
The Harvard Study - Happiness Is Relationships, Not Riches
The Harvard Study started in 1938, following two very different groups: Harvard undergraduates and boys from some of Boston’s poorest neighborhoods. Over the years, researchers looked at everything from physical health to career success, but the most striking finding was this: “Good relationships keep us happier and healthier. Period”.
People who are more socially connected to family, friends, and community are not only happier—they’re physically healthier and live longer than those who are less connected.
The quality of relationships matters more than the quantity. Warm, supportive relationships protect against life’s stresses, help delay mental and physical decline, and are better predictors of long, happy lives than social class, IQ, or even genetics.
Even financial success, the study found, is linked more to the warmth of relationships than to intelligence or background.
As Dr. Robert Waldinger, the study’s current director, puts it: “Taking care of your body is important, but tending to your relationships is a form of self-care too. That, I think, is the revelation”.
Focus at Farmhill - Education, Community and Diversity
So how does this mesh with what we do at Farmhill? In short: perfectly. Our core belief is that education and personal growth aren’t just about academic achievement—they’re about building the skills and habits that lead to a happy, meaningful life. And the evidence tells us that the key ingredient is learning how to connect, communicate, and care.
Here’s how Farmhill puts the science of happiness into practice:
Relationship-Centered Learning: We prioritize small groups, mentorship, and collaborative learning, ensuring every learner feels seen, heard, and valued. Just as the Harvard study shows, it’s the quality of these connections that matters most.
Emotional Intelligence and Self-Reflection: We help learners develop self-awareness, empathy, and resilience—not as add-ons, but as central parts of the curriculum. The Harvard study found that people who regularly reflected on their lives and relationships were more likely to grow happier over time.
Community and Belonging: Farmhill isn’t just a place to learn—it’s a community. We create opportunities for students, educators, and families to build lasting bonds, echoing the study’s finding that community ties are essential for well-being.
Neurodiversity and Inclusion: We recognize and celebrate the diverse ways in which our learners think, feel, and connect. By fostering an inclusive environment, we ensure that every individual—regardless of neurotype—can build meaningful relationships and find their place in the community.
Why This Matters—Now More Than Ever
In a world obsessed with test scores, status, and “success,” it’s easy to lose sight of what really matters. The Harvard study cuts through the noise: money and fame don’t buy happiness, but strong relationships do. At Farmhill, we’re committed to helping our learners, educators and families build the skills and habits that lead to lasting happiness—because the evidence is clear that this is what matters most, not just for individuals, but for healthy, thriving communities.
So, if you’re looking for an approach to learning and growth that’s rooted in hard evidence and aimed at the heart of what makes life good, you’re in the right place. At Farmhill, we’re not just teaching subjects or building skills—we’re nurturing the connections and capacities that lead to a happy, meaningful life for every member of our diverse community.
Come join us in building a happier future—one relationship, one learner, and one community at a time.