The Art of the Interesting: What We Miss in Our Pursuit of the Good Life and How to Cultivate It

by Lorraine Besser

Ready to live your best possible life? It's time to make it interesting.

Do you know anyone who's truly living The Good Life? Traditionally, philosophers and psychologists have thought of the Good Life in terms of happiness or meaning, or some combination of both. But, if it’s really that simple, if all you need is more happiness or meaning to get to the Good Life, why aren’t more of us achieving that truly “good” life? You’ve hit all the traditional markers, jumped on the happiness train, committed to a gratitude practice, sought purpose in your work, and yet The Good Life you’re seeking, is still out of reach.

Emerging research is revealing that there is, in fact, more to the good life than the current —and even ancient—conversation suggests. This has been identified as psychological richness. Dr. Lorraine Besser, a founding investigator in these studies, shows how psychological richness helps to make our Good Lives more interesting. Interesting experiences captivate our minds, engage our thoughts and emotions, and often change our perspective. What’s interesting is different for everyone, and everyone can obtain and strengthen the skills necessary to access the interesting.

In this illuminating book, you’ll take a deeper dive into the ways that you can cultivate the interesting in your everyday life, including:

How to develop an interesting mindset
How to harness the power of novelty
How to turn obstacles into adventures


Through delightful stories, powerful tools, and new mindsets, you’ll learn how to “keep it interesting.” Whether you feel like something is missing from your life, or you’re yearning for more, Besser's groundbreaking manifesto will guide you toward a fuller, more satisfying life.

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, Self Help, Philosophy, Mental Health

288 pages, Hardcover

Published September 10, 2024

Reviews

[Ink_Drinker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lorraine Besser delves into the nuances of what makes life captivating. Through a blend of philosophy, psychology, and real-world examples, she explores how interest plays a pivotal role in our daily lives and overall well-being.

She presents compelling arguments on the importance of curiosity, engagement and the pursuit of varied experiences.

The book encourages you to embrace the unknown and find intrigue in the mundane, offering practical advice on how to lead a more enriching life.

Besser's clear and engaging writing style makes complex concepts accessible and thought-provoking.

[Maher Razouk · Rating 5 out of 5]

إن كون المرء جيداً في شيء ما لا ينبغي أن يكون نقمة أو تذكرة قطار إلى مسار واحد. إنه أمر مهم فقط عندما تكون جيداً في الأشياء التي تثير شغفك. وفي غياب الشغف، فإن الإمكانات لا علاقة لها بالحياة الجيدة. خذ حالة جون ستيوارت مل، عندما كان صغيراً، كرّس نفسه لإمكانياته مما منعه من المرح واللعب، وكل المشاعر التي تأتي معهما. وهذا لم يخنق سعيه إلى حياة جيدة فحسب؛ بل دفعه حرفياً إلى الانهيار العقلي.

فقط لأننا نمتلك الإمكانات، لا يعني أنه يجب علينا مضاعفة الجهود، واعتبار تطوير إمكاناتنا أهم جانب في حياتنا. في كثير من الأحيان، نشعر أنه يجب علينا تنمية مواهبنا، وإلا فقد فشلنا كبشر. المشكلة هي أنه حتى لو حدث ورأينا إمكاناتنا (أو رأى شخص ما ذلك فينا)، عندما نركز عليها بشكل مفرط، تبدأ حياتنا في الانكماش. قد تبدو جيدة (من منظور خارجي)، لكنها لا تمنحنا شعورًا جيدًا.
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Lorraine Besser
The Art of the Interesting
Translated By #Maher_Razouk

[Anahid · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was not my cup of tea. There were some tidbits of information that were more interesting or useful, but most of it did not catch my attention. I lost interest in the book and skipped some parts. I honestly thought the book would be more about "the interesting" but it seemed like it talked more about the good life than the interesting. The book mentioned many other concepts: creativity, curiosity, pleasure, passion, happiness. I understand that all of these things (the interesting included) play a role in the good life and are intertwined with each other, but I felt like I wanted more about the interesting.

Although it wasn't quite what I was hoping for, I'm thankful I got a chance to read this book. Thank you to the author, the publisher, NetGalley, and Publisher's Weekly for giving me a chance to read about the interesting and the good life.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a super hard time with this book. There were little bits here and there that were useful in regards to leading an interesting life. But somewhere along the lines, it just got mixed up with a bunch of very odd worded, or too wordy chapters. Either way, same may find it helpful, it just wasn't for me. Couldn't fully finish the book, and for me, that is saying something.

[Edith · Rating 4 out of 5]

As are most things philosophical, most answers to pursuing the good life are not clear cut. Dr. Besser approaches the topic with a pragmatic course of study of the self, from embracing curiosity, novelty and challenges to applying perspective to experiences and what is gained from all experiences, good and bad. I found it it be a helpful guide to living more authentically.

A gracious thank you to the author, Grand Central Publishing, and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read about the the art of the interesting and the pursuit of the good life.

[Sheri Longshore · Rating 3 out of 5]

Usually I read about books and go out hunting for them. But this one I just found browsing at my local bookstore and picked it up because I thought the subject matter looked, ahem, interesting.

And I love the authors premise, that the Good Life is built not just on finding purpose and experiencing pleasure but also on an oft overlooked component, cognitive engagement- a/k/a the interesting.

You think you already know what is interesting, don’t you? But she gets you thinking about it in a larger capacity.

The author is incredibly passionate about her subject matter-and I’m a fan of people geeking out about stuff. So she was fun to read. She explains not only why the interesting is important but how to go about incorporating more of it into your life.

I did feel she went into a bit more detail in some parts than the subject matter required, but that could be because I really didn’t need convincing that including the interesting is important for living your best life. And as an academic it isn’t surprising she felt the need to be thorough.

I also did get a bit tired of the references to the ‘Good Life’ but I realize she had to call it something.

Overall, it was a good book with lots of ideas to consider in thinking about what constitutes a Good Life for me personally.

[Jack Maginnes · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think the core premise of the book is solid - the execution, however, left a bit to be desired. Most of the chapters overstayed their welcome for the singular point they intended to focus on. Also - a pretty heavy reliance on personal anectdotes in lieu of studies or 3rd party stories. There are some nuggets in here...you'll have to wade to find them though.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lorraine Besser, a professor of philosophy at Middlebury College, has written a book that sits at the accessible end of the philosophical spectrum—one aimed not at her fellow academics, but at the thoughtful everyday reader. The Art of the Interesting is not a treatise, but a guided invitation to consider what makes life not just good, but psychologically rich, fulfilling, and yes—interesting.

At its core, Besser’s thesis is deceptively simple: a good life is built not merely on moral virtue, hedonistic pleasure, or eudaimonic purpose alone, but on the engagement in psychologically fulfilling tasks—what she calls “the interesting.” This idea is both refreshingly original and intuitively resonant. The interesting, she argues, is the overlap of challenge, purpose, novelty, and engagement. When we live through tasks that compel our attention, stretch our minds, and align with our values, we are not just living—we are truly alive.

In this way, Besser’s theory wonderfully coincides with other well-regarded models of flourishing. The blend of purpose and pleasure is not only appealing, but compelling. And for readers burned out by either rigid virtue ethics or the shallow chase of feel-good moments, Besser’s middle path feels like a breath of fresh intellectual air.

That said, while the book is enjoyable and thoughtful, it doesn’t quite land as a fully convincing worldview. It’s like hearing someone describe a brilliant constellation, only to realize they’re connecting stars that still seem a bit too far apart. The book offers flashes of insight—many of them profound—but the overall arc feels a bit like a shot in the dark. It is convincing enough to be possibly true, but lacks the structural force and philosophical depth to make it certainly true.

One major shortcoming is the book’s overly cognitive approach. Besser leans hard on psychological and intellectual engagement, and largely ignores the role of the body, the senses, and the incarnate experience of being human. There is little here about movement, health, sensuality, or the rhythms of physical life—and yet these, too, are essential parts of a good life. A more embodied account would have added much-needed texture to her framework.

Moreover, Besser’s treatment of suffering—the inevitable companion to any serious discussion of the good life—is thin at best. She acknowledges its existence and gestures toward relationships as a buffer or balm, but this feels more like a band-aid than a genuine reckoning. Suffering is tucked into the last part of the book, not given the weight or centrality it demands. In a world filled with pain and uncertainty, any vision of the good life must look suffering in the face, not out of the corner of its eye.

Still, The Art of the Interesting is very much worth the read. It’s accessible, thought-provoking, and in many ways—true. Besser’s central idea is one that will stick with readers long after they’ve finished the last page: that the most satisfying life may be the one where we follow what is interesting, not just what is good or pleasurable.

[James Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Art of the Interesting by Lorraine Besser is one of those rare books that doesn’t just inform—it clarifies something you’ve felt intuitively but hadn’t yet named. As someone deeply invested in personal development and often immersed in structuring routines, goals, and principles around the classic ideas of happiness and meaning, I found Besser’s articulation of “psychological richness” both liberating and transformative.

Besser proposes a third, often overlooked pillar of a good life—one that goes beyond simply being happy or living a meaningful life. She argues that a psychologically rich life is one filled with novelty, complexity, and perspective-shifting experiences. And what struck me most was her invitation to cultivate the interesting—not as a selfish indulgence, but as an essential feature of human flourishing.

There were several chapters that landed particularly hard for me. In Developing an Interesting Mindset and Harnessing the Power of Novelty, Besser provides both the theory and the practical encouragement to embrace variety and curiosity—not as distractions from purpose, but as powerful fuel for a life well-lived. Her call to turn obstacles into adventures felt especially relevant; it helped reframe moments of uncertainty or disruption in my own life as opportunities to lean into complexity, rather than avoid it.

What made this book so meaningful for me was the way it illuminated a quiet discontent I’d been carrying. I’ve often structured my life around what I should be doing—morning routines, weekly goal setting, productivity frameworks—but many of these were missing something essential: a sense of aliveness. Besser helped me see that when we build our lives around principles that don’t resonate with our deep desire for interest and inner engagement, we risk feeling unfulfilled—even if everything “looks right” on the surface.

If you’re someone who feels boxed in by the binaries of happy vs. meaningful, or someone who’s ever wondered why your life can look good on paper but feel strangely flat—this book will open something up for you. It’s not just a philosophical treatise; it’s a guidebook for crafting a rich, vivid, and engaging life.

[Mark Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I want to give this two reviews, 3/5 for the content, but 4/5 for the reflection it enabled. The books main claim was happiness (a.k.a, pleasure: good meals, vacation, hanging out with friends) and meaning (a.k.a, fulfilment: work, volunteering) aren't sufficient to live "The Good Life". We also need the interesting (a.k.a, novelty: things that capture our attention and provide psychological richness). Ultimately, it was a good reminder to allow space for the randomness in life, to not always be pursuit driven and to smell the roses and lean into our natural curiosity a little more to live a good life.

A few notes:
[On why we shouldn't focus on pleasure in life]
"Does the world exist to satisfy our desires? Of course not. Then why should we look at everything life has to offer in terms of our desires? From the big picture, it seems rather remarkable we ever get what we want. We know we cna't always get what we want. [...] Life does not always deliver what we want. But it does deliver opportunities, which present adventures. If we stop trying so hard to get what we want [pursuit mode], and shed the lenses of desire for pleasure and fulfillment, we find opportunity and adventure."

[The importance of deep relationships]
It's not having many relationships that results in happiness, it's in having depth, those few people that can help you weather storms and better understand yourself. "Genuine independence requires a solid sense of self, and we build and maintain that sense of self through our deep connections [...] Finding people we are really compatible with, who bring out our best and are there for our worst, has a liberating effect. They strengthen our sense of self and so make possible genuine independence."

[A random idea to use some time - a fun party game to build connection]
When hosting a party, at the beginning of the night, each person draws a "villain" or "hero" card and keeps their card a secret. The villians are set with a hidden task, "death by selfie", where they kill each hero by successfully taking a selfie with them.

[Ryan Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Art of the Interesting

42/2025.

As close to a self help book as I plan to get this year. But this one grapples with the practical implementation of the ancient philosophical idea of the “good life,” which gives us an interesting take. Dr Besser proposes that even if life is hard and stressful, making it interesting can be a positive change within our grasp. It helpfully points in the general direction of the interesting, without mandating what you must do to find it. Everyone makes their own path based on what interesting is to them.

She calls out the dichotomy between pleasure seeking and meaning seeking, and proposes novelty seeking as a third part of the equation for people seeking a Good Life. It turns out “passion” is not sufficient to feel you’re living the Good Life- which might not be a bad thing given how living your passion usually requires starting out with comfort and privilege. Happiness is always fleeting and having deep purpose is hard to do every day. So you need all three legs to make a stable stool - happiness, meaning, and psychological richness. It’s the last one that she feels is lacking in the discussion.

Finding the interesting is less about pursuit and more about openness. It’s having time, energy, and clearheadedness enough to notice what’s interesting. It’s letting the path meander to new topics and letting the ripples of an interesting thing expand to new areas.

Dr Besser does a great job of distinguishing the Interesting from simply Sensation Seeking. I recognize the trap of the latter, and am no stranger to it.

This is probably the fifth book I’ve read this year to refer to Richard Thaler and behavioral psychology. That’s a funny coincidence. Interesting, even…

[Varot Pavaritpong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book basically boils down to saying
A good life should consist of passions (the Interesting), fulfillment (meaning), and pleasure (happiness)

I thought it was interesting (pun not intended) how the author shifts our paradigm of viewing "the good life" as having more than just happiness and meaning, and that passions are an essential part of that as well. Anecdotally, God knows how much I've struggled with boredom. I've had times when I was thinking to myself everyday how I'd rather be feel literally any emotion, be it positive or negative, than boredom, yet at the time I was too depressed to do anything about it. The only cure to boredom is action, and the book acknowledges this as well.

Another interesting observation the author makes about the Interesting and happiness is that
"pleasure is felt more passively than the interesting; in moments of exhaustion, we’re better off seeking pleasure, while in moments of boredom, we’re better off seeking the interesting."
which seems to checkout with my own life experience.

"Optimism is a thought pattern highly correlated with happiness and feelings of pleasure. Challenge is an action tendency highly correlated with psychological richness and the interesting."
This quote really kinda made me realise why I enjoy learning and new challenges as well.

Overall, decent read, the interesting parts of the book for me were the concepts, however in the second half of the book it kind of turns into an average self help book as most actionable steps to improving one's life are already well known

[Dany Le Goaix · Rating 3 out of 5]

Why “Interesting” Might Be the Missing Piece in Your Leadership Playbook

In The Art of the Interesting, Lorraine Besser introduces a powerful idea: the good life—and by extension, a thriving career—requires more than happiness and meaning. It needs psychological richness, fueled by experiences that challenge, captivate, and expand our perspective.

Key Business Takeaways:

Beyond Happiness & Purpose: Traditional success metrics focus on satisfaction and meaning. Besser argues that adding “interesting” experiences drives creativity and resilience—critical for leaders navigating uncertainty.

Turn Obstacles into Adventures: Reframe challenges as opportunities for growth - "what am I learning from this challenge?" This mindset shift builds adaptability and engagement.

The Zone of the Interesting: Growth happens just outside the comfort zone—not in chaos, but in spaces that stretch thinking without overwhelming.

Don’t Chase, Create Conditions: Instead of forcing excitement, foster environments where curiosity and diverse perspectives flourish.

For leaders and organizations, this book is a reminder: interesting work sparks innovation, energizes culture, and sustains long-term success.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and Balance for my advance copy. My opinions are my own.

People tend to strive for "The Good Life." But what if getting there is not about doing what you are supposed to do or what others are doing, but doing what fulfills you and makes you the best version of yourself? Quality rather than achieving milestones? Dr. Lorraine Besser is a philosopher dedicating to learning about what makes life worth living. First, she explores the definition of The Good Life, making the case for why it isn't necessarily what we'd expect; happiness comes and goes, but richness and interestingness and meaningfulness add depth and quality and livability. Then comes an examination of how to cultivate the "interesting" in our lives, and how to explore what the best kind of "interesting" for you might look like. And then, bringing it all together at the end are a set of tools to help the reader explore more on the personal level and find possible directions for next steps. Whether you're just starting out or you've "arrived" and are still dissatisfied, this book meets you wherever you are and can help you level-up to a higher-quality, more interesting life.

[enchantingprose · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is exciting in the fact that it’s coming with a missing piece for your good life. First off my nod to the phd multi book author philosopher woman. I love it when experts come in with their formulas.

She basically breaks down that a life of meaning and passion is not enough to make a good life. The good life is a tripod needing meaning , passion and interesting (psychological richness ). The best advice I got out of this is if you follow what’s interesting to you , it will lead and connect with your passions.

The book is easy enough to read and follow. The author goes from teaching mode , to philosophy sharing to small glimpses of her life. It’s a wonderful balance keeping the reader engaged. The last few chapters were a bit redundant but the quizzes are the end are fun.

Also I don’t think she nailed examples of the interesting to well but also because well it would differ so much from person to person.

[Chris Boutté · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book immediately became a contender for one of my favorite books of the year. Lorraine Besser researches what she calls psychological richness, and it’s a blend of philosophy and psychology. The book is all about fostering curiosity as we try to live a good life, and it’s fantastic. There was another book about curiosity that I reviewed earlier this year that I can’t remember the name of because it was that forgettable. This book was exactly what I’d hoped the other book was, and I loved it.

This is a must-read book. It helps us take a new perspective on “bad” situations in our life through the beauty of curiosity. When we try to find things interesting, we switch from a judgment mindset to one that simply experiences life. I can’t recommend this book enough, and I hope more people read it.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

In her book "The Art of the Interesting," Lorraine Besser challenges the conventional idea of a fulfilling life as consistently smooth and comfortable. As a philosopher and ethicist, Besser advocates for a life marked by engagement, curiosity, and exploration, emphasizing depth and active participation in life's offerings over mere entertainment or novelty. She believes that embracing challenges and discomfort, while delving into curiosity and variety, leads to personal growth and a richer life experience.

Besser's perspective reframes struggles as essential for personal growth, urging readers to view them as opportunities for development rather than obstacles to be avoided. "The Art of the Interesting" offers both philosophical insights and practical advice, emphasizing the importance of embracing curiosity and challenges to cultivate a life filled with exploration and depth.

[Eila Mcmillin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm still not entirely sure the circumstances that led to this book ending up on my Libby hold queue (because when I came up ready to borrow, I had no memory of placing the hold), but it was an absolute delight from the beginning to the end. Dr. Besser is a rare scholar of philosophy that can discuss it in ways that do not rely on a tremendous amount of pre-reading knowledge of philosophy (like I love Steven Johnston's writing, but he often assumes a familiarity with Greek history and philosophy that I just do not have).

This is an incredibly down to earth take on a fascinating intersection of philosophy and psychology and I definitely foresee myself purchasing an actual copy of the book in order to re-read and take detailed notes.

[Kharah · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hit and miss.There are other, better books on cultivating a Good Life. An... interesting... idea but written by a philosopher trying to be a psychologist. The psychology is under developed and not always accurate. The philosophy is very Western and not always relevant. A lot of the premises seem shaky or not well explained or justified.

(And an aside, but it struck me as odd - if Oishi was the psychologist that launched this research and invited the author to collaborate, why no mention in the Acknowledgements, never mind inclusion as a co-author?)

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are some good points here. Unfortunately, they are buried in the weeds of what was written by an academic. It would really profit from a strong edit.
- Meaning and happiness are good but you will need more for a "good life."
- Don't be so focused on accomplishing the task that you miss what is around you.
- You have to feel safe in your surroundings to have awe.
- Friends don't make bad things go away. They help you to sit with the feelings that they bring.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

The jaunty tone and dumbed down writing made this book a little insufferable, unfortunately. But the book definitely had some merit, especially in the beginning before things got repetitive. And I appreciate the author’s attention to the wildly undertheorized phenomenon of friendship as a source of creativity and happiness.

[Jamie Park · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this. I am always seeking new experiences but also it is hard in today's world. I guess that is why I read and start new hobbies so often. Anyway we should also be seeking new interesting things.

[Maddie Ostergaard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obsessed!! This is a really fascinating book. Love love love Dr. Besser’s philosophy and approach to living. It helped me realize a lot about myself. Particularly how to find the sweet spot of being engaged and exploring novelty while still maintaining inner safety and security. I highly recommend!

[Yun Ning · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a comforting read, super appreciate the ideas and tips for cultivating the interesting. It blends exploration, adventure, curiousity without the typical judgement or standards that society mandates on these concepts. I like it! 😊

[Suzy Goodwin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Key takeaways:

1. Psychological richness is important because interesting experiences are valuable.

2. Interesting experiences are up to you & largely in your control

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good reminders here of how to focus on what is important and how to get more of that in your life.

[Sonal Apte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great storytelling and examples.

[John Stockton · Rating 2 out of 5]

Had to do a lot of sifting to get to any decent info, which made it a bit of a slog!

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book seeking new things to stimulate your mind not to get back in the rut of life

[C. Woody]

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