Life in Three Dimensions: How Curiosity, Exploration, and Experience Make a Fuller, Better Life

A fulfilling life means embracing uncertainty, unpredictability, and adversity, according to this energetic guide from psychologist Oishi (The Psychological Wealth of Nations). Critiquing the idea that life should be measured exclusively by happiness (which fluctuates according to things beyond a person’s control) or meaning (which can promote an unhelpful single-mindedness), Oishi argues that accumulating positive and negative experiences builds “psychological richness,” which adds depth to one’s life by broadening their emotional and intellectual horizons. Readers can live such a life by embracing challenges, learning new things, and being spontaneous (examples of the latter range from taking a detour on the way home to having an unexpected encounter with a stranger). While the many case studies of people who’ve lived psychologically rich lives—among them Steve Jobs, economist Daniel Kahneman, and a taxi driver who donated a kidney to her ex husband—give the narrative a somewhat repetitive feel, Oishi lucidly explains his research and maintains an appealingly upbeat tone throughout. It’s a worthwhile reminder to take the road less traveled. (Feb.)