Lorraine Besser

Lorraine Besser, a philosophy professor at Middlebury College and expert on happiness and well-being, shares insights from her book, "The Art of the Interesting." She discusses her transformative life experiences and the balance between pleasure and meaning. Highlights include the joy of shared moments as depicted in Seinfeld, the critique of hedonism, and the importance of psychological richness. Lorraine also emphasizes engaging with life's complexities, the value of friendships, and cultivating an interesting mindset to enhance personal fulfillment.

Lorraine Besser, a philosophy professor at Middlebury College and author of The Art of the Interesting, explores the essential concept of psychological richness in life. She argues it's key to the Good Life alongside pleasure and purpose. Besser discusses the significance of embracing curiosity, the challenges of parenting teenagers, and the importance of forming deep human connections. She encourages listeners to find joy in spontaneity and complexity, and to seek enriching experiences that captivate both mind and heart.

Lorraine Besser, author of "The Art of the Interesting," explores the concept of psychological richness—mental stimulation gained through curiosity and wonder. She discusses how integrating pleasure and meaning is essential but often leaves us feeling incomplete. Besser highlights the importance of challenging experiences and unstructured thinking, urging listeners to redefine fulfillment and consider the power of friendships. She emphasizes that embracing curiosity and personal agency can lead to a deeper, more enriching life.

Lorraine Besser, a philosophy professor at Middlebury College and author of *The Art of the Interesting*, discusses the complexities of leading a fulfilling life. She emphasizes that true happiness often lies in embracing challenges, discomfort, and 'psychological richness' rather than merely pursuing pleasure. Besser argues that meaningful experiences come from navigating obstacles and that seeking fulfillment involves valuing the journey over the destination. Her insights challenge conventional notions of happiness, advocating for resilience and curiosity in the face of life's adversities.

Lorraine Besser, a philosophy professor at Middlebury College and author of The Art of the Interesting, explores timeless insights from Aristotle on living well. She discusses how Aristotle's ideas on virtue and eudaimonia influence our modern views on happiness. Delving into 'psychological richness,' Besser emphasizes the value of novel experiences for personal growth. She encourages listeners to find depth in the mundane, transforming everyday moments into opportunities for fulfillment, and highlights the balance between focus and embracing novelty for a richer life.