What is Boredom and Why is it Bad?

In this chapter, I argue that boredom derives from a lack of cognitive engagement, and that the aversive nature of boredom signals the value of cognitive engagement. I go on to argue that reflection on boredom reveals an under-appreciated yet distinctively valuable aspect of human agency: its capacity to be motivated and engaged by unstructured attention, which is often stimulus- directed while nonetheless internally motivated. Harnessing this ability, I conclude, allows us to enhance our lives.