I'm Gretchen Rubin and this is a little happier.

In psychology these days, one of the most respected models of the mind is the five factor

model, also known as the big five.

It describes personality in terms of five major dimensions.

Openness, conscientiousness, extroversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism.

Helpfully this creates the acronym Ocean, which is a useful nomonic.

Now this is a very interesting model and I have many thoughts about it.

But right now I'll mention one thing that has really stood out to me.

When you look at the model, it's clear that the factor openness to experience is something

that is deemed good.

It's described as appreciation for art, emotion, adventure, unusual ideas, curiosity, and

variety of experience.

I've also seen it described as the depth and complexity of an individual's mental life

and experiences, or intellect, or imagination.

On the other hand, I've seen a description that suggests that people with low openness

seek to gain fulfillment through perseverance and are characterized as pragmatic and data-driven,

sometimes even perceived to be dogmatic and close-minded.

I've also read that these folks probably prefer routine of a variety, stick to what they

know, and prefer less abstract arts and entertainment.

One thing I have learned in my own observations of human nature is always to look for the

bright side and the dark side of anything I see.

I see something.

...