The Art of the Interesting

Philosopher and popular Middlebury professor Dr. Lorraine Besser reveals the missing third piece in our search for the Good Life-what she calls The Interesting-and teaches us how to cultivate it in our lives.

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Ready to live your best possible life? It's time to make it interesting. Based on the new science of psychological richness, a guide to get beyond happiness and purpose and cultivate what makes our lives truly good.

Do you know anyone who's truly living "The Good Life"? Traditionally, philosophers have seen it as an equation: The Good Life = Happiness + Meaning. But, if it's really that simple, why don't more of us achieve that truly "good" life? Emerging research in psychological and philosophical circles is showing us that there is more to the good life than the current-and even ancient-conversation suggests, and the results are exhilarating.

Researchers have identified the missing constant in this equation as psychological richness. Lorraine Besser, a founding investigator in these studies, calls this "The Interesting."

Put simply, "The Interesting" is an experience that captivates you, engages you, helps you let go of whatever is holding you back from fully engaging in the world around you. It's different for everyone, and everyone can obtain and strengthen the skills necessary to access it. The agency we have in making our lives psychologically rich is both empowering and exciting.

Perfect for devotees of Ryan Holliday, Katherine May, and Gretchen Rubin, Besser's groundbreaking manifesto marries a thoughtful approach with real‑world applications. She offers delightful stories, tools, and mindsets we can use to "keep it interesting" as we reach toward fuller, more satisfying lives.