What truly makes life fulfilling? Is happiness alone enough, or is there something more? In this fascinating episode, Dr. Shigehiro Oishi, a leading expert on happiness, meaning, and culture, introduces a groundbreaking perspective on well-being. Drawing from his latest book, Life in Three Dimensions: How Curiosity, Exploration, and Experience Make a Fuller, Better Life, Dr. Oishi reveals why a psychologically rich life—filled with deep experiences, curiosity, and transformation—is just as essential as happiness and meaning.
Join John R. Miles as he explores how embracing uncertainty, adventure, and diverse perspectives can lead to a fuller, more rewarding life.
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“Many people focus on happiness and meaning, but psychological richness adds another dimension to what it means to live well.”
SHIGE OISHI
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Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podcast Addict, Pocket Casts, Stitcher, Castbox, Google Podcasts, Listen Notes, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform. You can watch the interview on YouTube below.
Unlocking a Psychologically Rich Life with Dr. Shige Oishi
What does it mean to live a life that is truly rich—not just in material wealth, but in depth, variety, and transformation? In this episode, Dr. Shige Oishi challenges the traditional focus on happiness and meaning as the sole markers of a good life. Instead, he introduces the concept of psychological richness, a life infused with curiosity, diverse experiences, and personal growth. Through thought-provoking insights, Dr. Oishi and John R. Miles explore how stepping outside comfort zones, embracing change, and seeking new perspectives can lead to a deeper, more fulfilling existence. This conversation will make you rethink what it means to truly thrive.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode with Shige Oishi:
- Psychological richness vs. happiness and meaning – Why a fulfilling life isn’t just about feeling good or having a purpose but also about experiencing variety and transformation.
- The power of curiosity – How staying open to new experiences shapes our perspectives and enhances well-being.
- Why embracing uncertainty matters – The role of challenges and unexpected events in fostering personal growth.
- Breaking free from routine – How small, intentional changes can add depth and excitement to daily life.
- Cultural influences on well-being – How different societies prioritize happiness, meaning, and psychological richness in unique ways.
- Lessons from research and real-life stories – Practical takeaways on how to cultivate a richer, more engaging life.
WHY IS THIS EPISODE WITH SHIGE OISHI A MUST-LISTEN?
If you’ve ever felt that happiness and meaning alone don’t quite capture what makes life truly fulfilling, this episode will offer a fresh perspective. Dr. Oishi’s research-backed insights challenge conventional wisdom and provide actionable ways to embrace a more dynamic, enriched way of living. Whether you’re looking to break free from monotony or simply explore new dimensions of personal growth, this conversation is a game-changer.
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The Three Dimensions of a Psychologically Rich Life: Curiosity, Exploration, and Experience
In this fascinating Passion Struck Podcast discussion, renowned happiness, meaning, and culture expert Dr. Shige Oishi introduced a transformative perspective on what makes life truly fulfilling. While traditional psychology has long emphasized happiness and meaning as the two primary pillars of well-being, Dr. Oishi argues that a third dimension—psychological richness—is just as vital. His groundbreaking book, Life in Three Dimensions: How Curiosity, Exploration, and Experience Make a Fuller, Better Life, delves into this concept, demonstrating how a life filled with diverse experiences, intellectual challenges, and novel perspectives can lead to deeper personal fulfillment.
The Three Dimensions of a Good Life: Dr. Oishi explained that when we think about a “good life,” we often default to two common categories:
- Happiness – A life characterized by joy, contentment, and positive emotions.
- Meaning – A life guided by purpose, personal values, and a sense of contribution.
However, he argues that a third category—psychological richness—is often overlooked but equally essential. A psychologically rich life is one marked by curiosity, exploration, and transformative experiences that broaden our understanding of the world and ourselves. This isn’t about chasing constant pleasure or devoting oneself to a singular purpose; rather, it’s about seeking new perspectives, embracing uncertainty, and allowing life’s twists and turns to shape us.
Why Psychological Richness Matters: During the conversation, Dr. Oishi emphasized that many people feel something is missing despite living either happy or meaningful lives. They may feel unchallenged, stuck in routine, or uninspired. Psychological richness adds depth to life by fostering intellectual and emotional growth through new experiences. This could mean traveling to unfamiliar places, engaging in stimulating conversations, challenging deeply held beliefs, or taking risks that lead to personal transformation.
A key takeaway from the discussion was that psychological richness isn’t about thrill-seeking or abandoning stability—it’s about cultivating a mindset that values curiosity over comfort. Dr. Oishi shared examples from his research demonstrating how people who embrace diverse experiences tend to have greater cognitive flexibility, emotional resilience, and a broader understanding of life’s complexities.
How to Cultivate a Psychologically Rich Life
Dr. Oishi and John R. Miles explored practical ways to integrate this third dimension into everyday life:
- Follow your curiosity – Seek out new topics, ideas, or cultures that intrigue you. Read books outside your comfort zone, take up a new hobby, or engage in meaningful debates.
- Embrace change and uncertainty – Rather than resisting unexpected events, view them as opportunities for growth and new perspectives.
- Prioritize diverse experiences – Travel, meet people from different backgrounds, and expose yourself to unfamiliar environments.
- Challenge your perspective – Engage in conversations with those who think differently, question your assumptions, and be open to evolving beliefs.
- Find meaning in discomfort – Recognize that personal growth often comes from moments of challenge, discomfort, and transformation.
Dr. Oishi’s insights redefine what it means to live a “good life.” His research, as discussed in Life in Three Dimensions, encourages us to move beyond just seeking happiness or purpose and instead cultivate a life that is rich in experiences, ideas, and personal evolution. By embracing curiosity, exploration, and new experiences, we unlock a fuller, more vibrant existence—one that allows us to continuously grow, adapt, and truly engage with the world.
He highlighted how individuals who are highly sensitive and creative often experience intense emotions, making them more prone to addiction as a means of coping with their overwhelming inner world. Creativity, while a strength, can sometimes intensify feelings of isolation, anxiety, and emotional turmoil, leading to unhealthy coping mechanisms.
Rather than viewing sensitivity and creativity as weaknesses that lead to addiction, Eric encouraged reframing them as strengths that can be harnessed for positive change. When channeled correctly, these traits allow individuals to develop deeper empathy, foster meaningful relationships, and contribute valuable insights to the world.
THANKS, DR. SHIGE OISHI
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RESOURCES FROM THE SHOW WITH SHIGE OISHI
Please note that some of the links on this page (books, movies, music, etc.) lead to affiliate programs for which The Passion Struck podcast receives compensation. It’s just one of the ways we keep the lights on around here. Thank you so much for being so supportive!
- Dr. Shigehiro Oishi’s Website
- Dr. Shigehiro Oishi’s Twitter
- Dr. Shigehiro Oishi’s LinkedIn
- BUY Dr. Shigehiro Oishi’s Book
- Passion Struck Core Value System: https://passionstruck.com/the-passion-struck-core-belief-system/
- Listen to Passion Struck’s interviews with New York Times bestselling authors Gretchen Rubin and Seth Godin.
- Check out Passion Struck’s Episode Starter Packs on Spotify or Passion Struck starter packs to get started with the podcast.
My solo episode on The Science of Healthy Habits
My episode with Jason O’Mara on Finding Strength in the Face of Setbacks
Can’t miss my episode with Arthur Brooks on the 4 Ways to Build the Life You Want
Catch my interview with Dr. Elisa Hallerman on How You Reconnect With Your Soul
Listen to my solo episode on 7 Reasons Why Acts of Kindness Are More than Meets the Eye
About Today’s Guest, Dr. Shige Oishi
Dr. Shige Oishi is the Marshall Field IV Professor of Psychology at the University of Chicago and a leading expert on happiness, meaning, and culture. His groundbreaking research explores the factors that contribute to a fulfilling life, including the often-overlooked concept of psychological richness—the idea that curiosity, exploration, and diverse experiences are essential for deep personal growth.
He is the author of Life in Three Dimensions: How Curiosity, Exploration, and Experience Make a Fuller, Better Life, which challenges conventional wisdom by introducing a new framework for understanding well-being. Dr. Oishi’s work has earned him multiple prestigious awards in psychology, and his insights have been widely featured in academic journals and major media outlets.
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