This book looks into the different ways in which people look at the objects and surroundings they live with and in. In his many books, Csikszentmihalyi shows a clear preference for the everyday experience of individuals and this book is no different in this respect. It is about a research project he has done together with Rochberg-Halton, exploring the everyday experience of individuals with objects and surroundings and what meaning they attach to the objects and why. By looking into meaning classes of various everyday objects in the home and measuring this qualitatively, important information was attained about how and why people attach meaning, how and why things are valuable to them. Things are not always purely practical or functional, but they often also have a symbolic function, a function as a sign. Even objects with a clear-cut function such as furniture or television sets, can provide just as many meanings as a trophy or a crucifix according to the authors. Especially interesting is the analysis of meaningful experiences with objects based on aesthetic quality, attention/ psychic energy, and goals. These three aspects can be very useful for the analysis of other experiences as well.