Friday, October 16, 2009

Dan Gilbert: Why are we happy? Why aren't we happy?

Dan Gilbert: Why are we happy? Why aren't we happy? is a Ted Talk by Dan Gilbert, author of "Stumbling on Happiness", who accordign to TED, challenges the idea that well be miserable if we dont get what we want. Our "psychological immune system" lets us feel truly happy even when things dont go as planned.

Basically, when we are given a choice between two paintings or photos, we can be unhappy with our decisions, but when one is foisted upon us, we manufacture happiness out of it. Seems surprising but plausible--at least for small decisions. I really still have a hard time believing in making a case for arranged marriages. Althought dating makes me miserable.

Bonus: The 2005 talk by Dan here.

(From EK)

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