> Throughout American history until the post-World War II era, had you asked almost any American what constitutes living a good life, he or she would have offered any or all of these five responses: > No. 1: Developing one's moral character. No. 2: Getting married and making a good family. No. 3. Taking care of one's family, especially one's parents. No. 4. Going to church (or synagogue). No. 5. Taking care of the poor in one's community, usually by joining a service organization such as a church charity, a Kiwanis, Lions, or Rotary Club.