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"There’s more that matters about being human than happiness" I would go a step further and argue that happiness itself requires that friction, and can't be opt
by _bxg1 8y ago
"There’s more that matters about being human than happiness"
I would go a step further and argue that happiness itself requires that friction, and can't be optimized or quantified. It's human nature to grow discontent and even depressed when given any kind of constancy for too long, no matter how "perfect". The idea that you can use social-engineering to perfect human happiness isn't just incomplete, it's fundamentally broken.
- m3mpp 8y agoIndeed, you say friction, I'd say contrast, we need frustration to be able to enjoy the ease, discomfort to enjoy comfort, and it goes on for all emotions. Too long in one state, and we're back to the dissatisfaction state.
- antidesitter 8y agohappiness... can’t be optimized or quantified Neither of these is true in my experience. Happiness definitely can be optimized by changing your lifestyle (less stressful work, more free time, a healthy diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, etc). To see it from the other direction, consider how events like onset of chronic pain and permanent disabilities negatively impact long-term happiness.
- _bxg1 8y agoObviously happiness can be increased, but it can't be solved. You can't get yourself, much less all of society, to a particular place and just say "welp, that's it, perfect happiness is achieved forever". Not with infinite resources and political power could you do this. It goes against human nature.