Luxury Travel Insider Beyond Happiness: Travel, Curiosity, and a Life Well-Lived | Professor Shige Oishi
Jul 2, 2025
Shige Oishi, a renowned Professor of Psychology at the University of Chicago, discusses the intriguing link between travel and psychological richness. He shares how unique experiences during travel shape our views and foster curiosity, emphasizing that true enrichment goes beyond happiness. Oishi highlights the impact of family trips on teen development, the joy of exploration, and the importance of stepping out of comfort zones. With engaging anecdotes, he argues that both positive and negative travel moments contribute to a meaningful and diverse life tapestry.
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Shige Oishi's Memorable First Trip
- Shige Oishi recalls being kicked out early morning by police while sleeping on a bench in Washington, D.C. during his first international trip at age 18.
- Despite a rocky start, he grew to appreciate the country's openness and visited iconic landmarks like the White House and Capitol.
Psychological Richness Explained
- Psychological richness emphasizes a life of adventure, complexity, and multiple perspectives distinct from pursuing happiness or meaning.
- It values cognitive complexity and unique experiences as assets forming an intriguing psychological portfolio.
Impact of Literature on Mind
- Reading complex literary fiction increases cognitive complexity and psychological richness by exposing us to diverse characters and unpredictable narratives.
- Simplistic or stereotypical genres like some romance novels do not enhance our cognitive or psychological richness as effectively.
