The truth about happiness. We are designed to long for it, not to get it
The article explores happiness as a dynamic motivator shaped by evolution, challenging the idea of constant bliss. It discusses habituation, evolutionary goals, and the transient nature of happiness in guiding human behavior.
Read original article
The article discusses the concept of happiness and its relationship with human cognition and decision-making processes. It highlights that happiness is not a constant state but rather a motivator designed by evolution to guide individuals towards success in life. The piece delves into the idea of habituation, where individuals adapt to changing circumstances and tend to return to a consistent level of well-being despite life-changing events. The author challenges the notion propagated by self-help books that claim to offer secret formulas for achieving everlasting happiness. Drawing on examples from evolutionary theory and cognitive neuroscience, the article suggests that happiness is not a destination to be reached but a dynamic process intertwined with our pursuit of evolutionary goals. It emphasizes that understanding happiness in this context can shed light on why long-lasting happiness is elusive and why individuals habituate to their successes. Ultimately, the article underscores that happiness serves as a guiding force rather than a permanent reward, shaping our decisions and actions in life.
Related
To the Bored All Things Are Boring
Kevin Gary's essay explores boredom's impact on behavior, warning against its avoidance leading to negative consequences. He advocates facing boredom for self-discovery and suggests focal practices for a meaningful life.
Uniquely human intelligence arose from expanded information capacity
Human intelligence's evolution is linked to enhanced information processing capacity, not specific biases. Genetic enhancements in processing abilities across memory, attention, and learning systems differentiate human cognition, impacting functions like rule representation and abstract thinking. This perspective redefines human intelligence evolution.
Clear Thinking – Insights from one of the best books on decision-making
The article summarizes insights from Shane Parrish's book on decision-making, highlighting the impact of human nature on judgment. It discusses common defaults hindering clear thinking and suggests a structured approach to improve decision-making skills.
The case against morning yoga, daily routines, and endless meetings
The article challenges rigid routines for success, promoting dynamic, high-impact "10x work" that requires agency and seizing opportunities. It emphasizes risk-taking, seeking valuable tasks, and continuous learning for exceptional career outcomes.
The Mystery of Consciousness Is Deeper Than We Thought
The article delves into the deep mystery of consciousness, distinguishing between "easy" and "hard" problems. It explores philosophical debates, pain-pleasure inverts, and challenges fundamental assumptions, suggesting radical shifts for understanding.
4 commentsThe AI generated image of a bookshelf saying “happiness” is a type of strawman I hadn’t seen before, though.
For nearly two years I've split happiness into 3 pillars: .Mental well-being .Physical well-being .Social well-being
A truly happy day is a stars aligning event where each category has to be fulfilled.
But you get a lot more nuance in knowing your emotional happiness is not occurring with equally strong physical or social happiness.
What is missing here is any consideration of what makes people happy. Maybe not chasing shallow materialistic ambitions? Not playing lie as a zero sum games?
If you sit for too long, it will nag you to move. It you move for too long, it will nag you to sit.
A little bit of sarcasm without opening up the PC Pandora's box. I understand why in Hinduism the life energy called Shakti, that throbs inside us, is represented by the femininity: you can never make it happy.
Related
To the Bored All Things Are Boring
Kevin Gary's essay explores boredom's impact on behavior, warning against its avoidance leading to negative consequences. He advocates facing boredom for self-discovery and suggests focal practices for a meaningful life.
Uniquely human intelligence arose from expanded information capacity
Human intelligence's evolution is linked to enhanced information processing capacity, not specific biases. Genetic enhancements in processing abilities across memory, attention, and learning systems differentiate human cognition, impacting functions like rule representation and abstract thinking. This perspective redefines human intelligence evolution.
Clear Thinking – Insights from one of the best books on decision-making
The article summarizes insights from Shane Parrish's book on decision-making, highlighting the impact of human nature on judgment. It discusses common defaults hindering clear thinking and suggests a structured approach to improve decision-making skills.
The case against morning yoga, daily routines, and endless meetings
The article challenges rigid routines for success, promoting dynamic, high-impact "10x work" that requires agency and seizing opportunities. It emphasizes risk-taking, seeking valuable tasks, and continuous learning for exceptional career outcomes.
The Mystery of Consciousness Is Deeper Than We Thought
The article delves into the deep mystery of consciousness, distinguishing between "easy" and "hard" problems. It explores philosophical debates, pain-pleasure inverts, and challenges fundamental assumptions, suggesting radical shifts for understanding.