This fun, smart read for anybody eager to better understand (and improve) themselves argues that personality is driven not by nature nor nurture-but instead from the projects we pursue, which ultimately shape the people we become.

Traditionally, scientists possess emphasized what they call the first and second natures of personality-genes and culture, respectively. But today the field of personality science has shifted well beyond the type vs. nurture argument. In Who Are You, Actually? Dr. Brian Little about Who Are You, Really?: The Surprising Puzzle of Character presents a distinctive view of how character forms our lives-and why this matters. Little makes the case to get a third nature towards the individual condition-the quest for personal projects, idealistic dreams, and innovative ventures that shape both people’s lives and their personalities. Little uncovers what personality science has been finding about the role of personal projects, exposing how this fresh concept might help people better understand themselves and form their lives.

In this essential work, Small argues that it is essential to devote energy and assets to creative endeavors in a highly focused fashion, even if it requires away from other components of our well-being. This does not mean that we can not shift in one core project to some other in the days of our lives. In fact, it is precisely that capability to flexibly build projects that is the biggest source of sustainability. Like learning to walk, forcing ourselves out of balance even as we step may be the only manner in which we can move forward. Which is the only way that human being flourishing could be enhanced.

The well-lived lifestyle is based on the sustainable pursuit of core projects in our lives. Eventually, Who Are You, Really? provides a deeply personal itinerary for exploring our personalities, our lives, as well as the human condition.