Flourish

May 15, 2023
Sitting in her car before a meeting, Antonia Case was suddenly gripped by an existential dread that prompted her to abandon a career in finance and travel the globe, hoping to discover the key to a meaningful life. Flourish is the result of the years the author spent culling wisdom from philosophers, psychologists, writers, religious thinkers, and fellow wanderers. This book is a collection of her own musings, research findings, and anecdotes in the form of a travelogue laden with illuminating experiences. Case argues that deliberate and frequent life changes are crucial for avoiding our modern tendency toward material accumulation and stagnation. She espouses a combination of joyful activity and fearless spontaneity to capture true self-actualization. Through metaphorical examples and probing thought experiments, the author argues that this exploration need not be physical--reading widely and deeply can also satisfy our innate need for novelty and stimulation. Although her prescription for deep introspection and purposeful action is not new, Case's theoretical ruminations are bolstered by her personal testimony and spirited embrace of her ideas.

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