# The Ingredients for Flourishing and a Life of Meaning with Dr. Corey Keyes

By Adam Morrisey · Published 2024-08-06 · Updated 2026-05-19 · Education Technology on MarketScale
Canonical: https://www.marketscale.com/industries/education-technology/flourishing-life-meaning-corey-keyes

> Moving beyond survival requires understanding the five dimensions that transform languishing into genuine human flourishing

## Key points

- Flourishing is not simply the absence of mental illness — it is a distinct, positive state of wellbeing with measurable dimensions.
- Dr. Keyes identifies five key dimensions that move individuals from languishing toward genuine human flourishing.
- Organizations and individuals can actively cultivate the conditions for flourishing rather than merely treating symptoms of poor mental health.

Block Field

How do we live a life of meaning in today’s challenging world? With the global pandemic amplifying feelings of disconnection and aimlessness, society is now grappling with how to transition from merely surviving to truly flourishing. [**Dr. Corey Keyes**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/corey-keyes-058870b/), a prominent figure in the field of positive psychology, explores these themes in his latest book, [*Languishing*](https://www.amazon.in/Languishing-Alive-Again-World-Wears-ebook/dp/B0CCHTQKVH). But what does it take to move from a state of languishing to one of flourishing?

In this episode of [*Tuesdays with Morrisey*](https://marketscale.com/shows/tuesdayswithmorrisey/), host [Adam Morrisey](https://www.linkedin.com/in/adammorrisey/) dives deep into this topic with **Dr. Corey Keyes**, a recently retired sociology professor from [**Emory University**](https://www.emory.edu/home/index.html) and a pioneering researcher on the science of flourishing. Dr. Keyes offers insights into [why society’s obsession with happiness might be misguided](https://www.theguardian.com/science/2024/mar/17/how-to-flourish-sociologist-corey-keyes) and outlines the essential elements that contribute to a meaningful and fulfilling life.

Episode Highlights:

– **The Growing State of Languishing:** Dr. Keyes defines languishing as the absence of positive and meaningful life aspects such as direction, meaning, contribution, and belonging. He notes that the pandemic has exacerbated this state, leading to a widespread sense of numbness and disconnection.

> Flourishing involves more than just feeling good; it requires functioning well in areas like self-acceptance, purpose, personal growth, positive relationships, and social contribution.

– **Overemphasis on Happiness:** Society’s pursuit of happiness, often at the expense of deeper fulfillment, is critiqued by Dr. Keyes. He emphasizes that happiness should naturally arise from a life filled with purpose and connection rather than being an isolated goal.

– **Ingredients for Flourishing**: Flourishing involves more than just feeling good; it requires functioning well in areas like self-acceptance, purpose, personal growth, positive relationships, and social contribution. Dr. Keyes outlines five key activities for flourishing: helping others, continuous learning, engaging in spiritual practices, connecting with others, and participating in active leisure.

### About the Speakers

**Dr. Corey Keyes** is a retired professor of sociology from **Emory University** and a leading figure in the positive psychology movement. He is renowned for his research on mental well-being and flourishing and is the author of *Languishing*. Dr. Keyes was one of the first to teach a university course on happiness and has dedicated his career to understanding the complexities of human flourishing.

Tags: Adam Morrisey, Dr. Corey Keyes, Emory University, Languishing book, Tuesdays with Morrisey

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