Uploaded February 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

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What makes a good life? For decades, psychologists have debated whether true fulfillment comes from happiness—a life of comfort and joy—or meaning—a life of purpose and impact. But what if there's a third way?


University of Chicago psychology professor Shigehiro Oishi has spent his career studying happiness, meaning, and what truly brings people deep satisfaction. His new research suggests that some of the most fulfilled people don’t prioritize either—they live psychologically rich lives, full of novelty, challenges, and transformative experiences.


In this episode, Oishi explains why psychological richness might be the missing piece in our search for fulfillment.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction: A Tale of Two Lives
01:28 The Dilemma: Stay or Go?
01:59 Exploring Happiness and Meaning
02:57 Introducing Psychological Richness
04:11 The Third Dimension of a Good Life
05:06 Rethinking Happiness and Meaning
06:08 The Happiness Trap
17:42 The Role of Novelty and Perspective
25:40 Work and Psychological Richness
31:53 Conclusion: Should You Stay or Should You Go?