The Art of the Interesting

Emerging research in psychological and philosophical circles is showing us that there is more to the good life than current—and even ancient—conversation suggests, and the results are exhilarating. Psychological richness is the missing piece to the good life, and, Lorraine Besser, a founding investigator in these studies, shows how we can add it to our lives by making them full of the Interesting—experiences that captivate and engage our minds, stimulating new thoughts and emotions, that often impact over very perspective. 

It’s different for everyone, and everyone can obtain and strengthen the skills necessary to access it. Even better, Besser shows how we can make our lives more interesting without having to make dramatic changes to them. The Interesting is within everyone’s reach, once we know how to go for it. 

Perfect for devotees of Ryan Holiday, 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 living our best possible lives

Published by GCP Balance/Hachette

PRAISE FOR ART OF THE INTERESTING

“Lorraine Besser shines a light on this new and emerging science of psychological richness, what she calls the “interesting”. To now have this new piece of the puzzle illuminated and unlocked is invigorating and points the way to a lot of fresh and energizing insight about how we can create our most successful and fulfilled lives.”
-Emma Seppälä, Author of SOVEREIGN and THE HAPPINESS TRACK 

“Lorraine Besser has done a remarkable job of integrating philosophy and psychology to suggest, for the first time, a crucial new element of the good life beyond the traditional philosophical ends of happiness and meaning - psychological richness."
- Alison Gopnik, author of THE SCIENTIST IN A CRIB, columnist WSJ and Prof. of Psychology and Philosophy at the University of California, Berkeley

“In The Art of the Interesting, Lorraine Besser demonstrates that a critical component to a good life is what scientists refer to as the psychologically rich life. This integration of philosophy and psychologic science gives us a new perspective of the importance of “interestingness” as a critical aspect of human fulfillment.”
- James R. Doty, M.D., author of the New York Times bestseller, INTO THE MAGIC SHOP: a neurosurgeon’s quest to discover the mysteries of the brain and the secrets of the heart and Founder & Director of the Stanford Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE) 

“The Art of the Interesting is a readable, thoroughly enjoyable book about a long-overlooked aspect of human happiness.” 
-President Laurie L. Patton, Middlebury College

"A profoundly delightful read full of compelling real-life examples. The Art of the Interesting is a fantastic contribution to the literature on well-being and happiness.” 
-Valerie Tiberius, Prof. of Philosophy at The University of Minnesota and author of WHAT DO YOU WANT OUT OF LIFE?: a philosophical guide to figuring out what matters

“The Art of the Interesting will capture your attention and invariably change your approach to your day-to-day life.” 
-Jim Ralph, Director Center for Teaching, Learning, and Research, Middlebury College and author of NORTHERN PROTEST

“Lorraine Besser has developed a novel and refreshing category for defining and finding our best lives. Seamlessly weaving together scientific research, philosophical theories, and illuminating stories, Besser contends that in addition to happiness and fulfillment, we need to consider the very "richness" of a life. This interesting book lives up to its title, but more than that, it dispenses wisdom on cultivating the richness of life Besser so eloquently advocates.”  
-Gordon Marino is author of THE EXISTENTIALIST’S SURVIVAL GUIDE and Prof. of Philosophy at St. Olaf College

“It's difficult to imagine a more interesting topic than interestingness itself. Anyone who has a curious mind will be interested in this.” 
-Gwen Bradford, Prof. of Philosophy at University of Toronto and author of ACHIEVEMENT