Book & podcast collection

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

Psychologist Shigehiro Oishi argues that a good life cannot be understood only through happiness and meaning. He develops a third dimension—psychological richness—created by curiosity, novelty, complexity, surprise, and experiences that change how we see the world. Drawing on cross-cultural research and personal stories, Oishi explores why some lives are not consistently comfortable or purpose-driven yet remain deeply rewarding. The book does not dismiss happiness or meaning; it shows how exploration complements them. It invites readers to make room for unfamiliar places, ideas, people, and challenges that expand the range and texture of experience.

Publisher: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group
Publication date: 2025
Format: Print edition
Pages: 256
ISBN: 9780385550390

Subjects

Well-Being Curiosity Psychological Richness

Choose a subject to discover similar books and author interviews.

Buy on Amazon Buy on Bookshop.org Publisher website

Listen now

Interview with the Author

4 available interview links

1. The Health Curve — What Is a Good Life? The Science of Meaning, Happiness, & Health | Prof. Shigehiro Oishi, University of ChicagoChecked

No verified Spotify link found.

2. 10% Happier with Dan Harris — Feeling Stuck? Dull? Flat? Here's a Better Path to the "Good Life." | Shigehiro OishiChecked

No verified Spotify link found.

3. مرورگر | explorer — Life in Three Dimensions | Shigehiro Oishi PhDChecked

No verified Spotify link found.

4. Lead From the Heart — Shigehiro Oishi: Embracing the Unfamiliar to Forge Deeper Lives and Thriving TeamsChecked

No verified Spotify link found.