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The sad fact is that humans can never be happy for any length of time. It is how our brains are wired and a result of evolution. Even if a person lived in a pa

The sad fact is that humans can never be happy for any length of time. It is how our brains are wired and a result of evolution. Even if a person lived in a paradise and had all their needs and wants provided; one of two things will occur - Either that person becomes bored or they wonder 'hmmm, I wonder if x,y or z could be better in some way?' and then trying to improve on perfection.

jrimbault 4y ago
Aren't there some studies about how stress level doesn't seem to change much in relation to income and education ?
- YeahNO 4y ago
  Actually, money can buy happiness, or at least, the lack of worry. A study [1] found, "the ideal income point is $95,000 for life evaluation and $60,000 to $75,000 for emotional well-being... this amount is for individuals and would likely be higher for families." [1] Jebb, A.T., Tay, L., Diener, E. et al. Happiness, income satiation and turning points around the world. Nat Hum Behav 2, 33–38 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-017-0277-0 https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-017-0277-0
  - belkarx 4y ago
    If this brings the "diminishing returns" study to mind for anyone, PSA: A more recent study was done on the "ideal salary point" and concluded that there really isn't one: https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.2016976118 https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.2016976118
tonmoy 4y ago
If you assume happiness is a feedback mechanism rewarding you for doing the right thing, then it makes sense. The reward needs to be modulated to be effective, constant reward would stop us from improving
- me_me_me 4y ago
  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hedonic_treadmill https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hedonic_treadmill
refurb 4y ago
Pretty much. If humans could ever reach a state that would guarantee happiness we’d still be living in caves and having 10 children so 5 make it to adults. Progress requires dissatisfaction with the status quo.
dusted 4y ago
Nothing like a really cold shower at the end of a really warm one to make you appreciate both the heat and the cold.

jrimbault 4y ago

Aren't there some studies about how stress level doesn't seem to change much in relation to income and education ?

YeahNO 4y ago
Actually, money can buy happiness, or at least, the lack of worry. A study [1] found, "the ideal income point is $95,000 for life evaluation and $60,000 to $75,000 for emotional well-being... this amount is for individuals and would likely be higher for families." [1] Jebb, A.T., Tay, L., Diener, E. et al. Happiness, income satiation and turning points around the world. Nat Hum Behav 2, 33–38 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-017-0277-0 https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-017-0277-0
- belkarx 4y ago
  If this brings the "diminishing returns" study to mind for anyone, PSA: A more recent study was done on the "ideal salary point" and concluded that there really isn't one: https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.2016976118 https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.2016976118

tonmoy 4y ago

If you assume happiness is a feedback mechanism rewarding you for doing the right thing, then it makes sense. The reward needs to be modulated to be effective, constant reward would stop us from improving

me_me_me 4y ago
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hedonic_treadmill https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hedonic_treadmill

refurb 4y ago

Pretty much. If humans could ever reach a state that would guarantee happiness we’d still be living in caves and having 10 children so 5 make it to adults. Progress requires dissatisfaction with the status quo.

dusted 4y ago

Nothing like a really cold shower at the end of a really warm one to make you appreciate both the heat and the cold.