All of us want to live the "good life,"  but there is vast confusion about what this life consists of, and how it is developed.  In fact, few seem to actually be living this life, though many try to project the image that they are.  This book examines the three distinct paths most often taken to seek this life:  following cultural expectations, developing character, and pursuing a relationship with God.  A further distinction, between those who profess to folllow God but are in fact following the dictates of culture, and those who build the new life offered by God according to His directions, is explored. The good life is defined as a life that best meets our deepest human needs, and these needs are matched against each of these paths, to see which approach is most likely to lead to a life worth living.  Strategies are offered which have been proven over millennia to develop such a worthwhile life, and pitfalls and shortcomings of various approaches are examined.