Final answer:
The biggest regret in people's lives, according to a Harvard study, centers on reflections of morality and the quality of social interactions rather than material possessions. Many individuals ponder if they made the right choices, rather than if they accumulated wealth or achieved happiness.
Step-by-step explanation:
One significant Harvard study suggests that as individuals approach the end of their lives, many do not measure the worth of their lives based on material possessions. Instead, they value their interactions with others and their own morality. A common regret among people is not whether they owned enough or achieved maximum happiness, but whether they did the right thing. This reflection ties back to the question of 'What is a good life?' which resonates across different times.
Moreover, the pursuit of wealth and success, often at the expense of happiness, is a notable trend among college students. They view their education as a means to attain financial wealth, sometimes prioritizing it over personal satisfaction. The reality is that many college graduates find themselves starting their careers in debt, and not necessarily in jobs related to their degree. This financial stress can contribute to lifelong regrets about the paths chosen and opportunities missed for a more fulfilling life.