One of Bloom’s role models is Hank Behar, a man whose wish for his 90th birthday was to visit Harvard and attend classes for a day. Bloom loves Behar’s interest in life and unfailing curiosity. The author points to research showing that curiosity is a vital aspect of mental health, even calling it “the real Fountain of Youth” (206). Bloom argues that curiosity also helps people to reach their goals, such as professional success, meeting a partner, and having fulfilling hobbies.

Studies show that curiosity tends to diminish with age as people become entrenched in routines that make them feel safe. Bloom encourages people to reconnect with their 10-year-old selves in order to reignite their own curiosity. By becoming more curious about the world and their own experiences, people can build “mental wealth,” just as Hank Behar did.

Bloom calls the search for purpose “a tale as old as time” (213). The author explores how different cultures have interpreted people’s need for purpose and their contribution to society. Hindu teachings emphasize being true to one’s dharma, or sacred duty, and not trying to compete with others’ dharmas. Meanwhile, the ancient Greeks had the concept of arete—of fulfilling one’s potential—while Buddhists follow the Noble Eightfold Path to achieving enlightenment.