Have you ever heard of the Grant Study?
In the 1940’s, 268 men were asked to participate in a longitudinal study, a study, believe it or not, continues to this day. They were, make no mistake about it, an elite group, students at Harvard University. Some would say they were men of privilege: intelligent, well-off, white and male. They included some very heavy hitters. Ben Bradlee, former editor of the Washington Post (remember Watergate and All the President’s Men) and President John F. Kennedy, were participants. You may think this elite group is somewhat statistically skewed and you would be correct. However, the fact that social scientists were able to follow them in to adulthood, is downright remarkable. And although you may think this study means nothing, I believe it and other studies of its sort. (The oldest is actually the Ferman Study – but Ferman had a sketchy agenda.)
So what did we learn from this monumental study. Well… Alcoholism is a disorder of great destructive power.
Alcoholism was the main cause of divorce between the
Grant Study men and their wives.
It strongly correlates with neurosis and depression that followed the alcohol abuse.
Together with associated cigarette smoking, alcoholism was the single greatest contributor to early morbidity and death.
Financial success depends on warmth of relationships, not on intelligence.
Those who scored highest on measurements of “warm relationships” earned an average of $141,000 a year more at their peak salaries (usually between ages 55 and 60).
No significant difference in maximum income earned by men with IQs in the 110–115 range and men with IQs higher than 150.
Men with relationship satisfaction were healthier in old age: Those that thrived in their relationships at 50 were more physically healthy at 80 years old.[7]
The warmth of childhood relationship with mothers matters long into adulthood:
Men who had “warm” childhood relationships with their mothers earned an average of $87,000 more a year than men whose mothers were uncaring.
Men who had poor childhood relationships with their mothers were much more likely to develop dementia when old.
Late in their professional lives, the men’s boyhood relationships with their mothers—but not with their fathers—were associated with effectiveness at work.
The warmth of childhood relationships with mothers had no significant bearing on “life satisfaction” at 75.
The warmth of childhood relationship with fathers correlated with:
Lower rates of adult anxiety. Greater enjoyment of vacations.
Increased “life satisfaction” at age 75.
It is accepted that there are some major takeaways from the Grant Study:
Success is seen over the arc of someone’s life, so think long-term.
Emotional intelligence is key. Relationships, relationships, relationships.
What I think is amazing is that success in life, financially and otherwise is dependent on the strength of relationships. (warm relationships!) The impact of parents and the subsequent honoring of them by children appears vital and essential.
The Turman study which also followed people throughout the span of their lives likewise found that people who were kind, lived longer lives. Likewise, people who were generous lived longer. Ethical people are happier. People who volunteered two hours a week found greater life satisfaction.
Here is a thing that I have learned over the years. Being mean and greedy will benefit you in the short run, and so it is very enticing. Eventually, however, it will poison the well of human interactions and so in the long run will hurt and damage you and those around you.
I have always found it fascinating, especially in the area of social sciences, that the more people study human behavior, the more we find that Christian ideals and ethics are vindicated and supported. These studies, the longest of their kind, far from repudiating the faith, often bolster and validate the message of Christ.
Go figure….
Father Kevin