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These surveys on 'happiness' are done by asking people taking part in the survey to rate their 'happiness'. How is this information going to be more useful to m
by mvp 17y ago
These surveys on 'happiness' are done by asking people taking part in the survey to rate their 'happiness'. How is this information going to be more useful to me as an individual who reads the results of such a survey ? I could answer myself whether I derived more happiness by spending on goods or experiences in the past. And that analysis is going to be more appropriate than predictions from a survey.
The point is, I am doubtful if we can use the results of such a survey to direct our actions rather than relying on our own thoughts.
- bkovitz 17y agoIndeed, these statistical surveys are telling you less than you already know. They might have heuristic value, though: you might not previously have looked through your own experience to see if durable goods or experiences brought you more pleasure.
- sophacles 17y agoSo you're saying that we should not or can not learn from the experiences of others. The idea that most people are wired roughly the same holds no sway with you, and that only personal experience can possibly show you how things work. This means you never take into account reccomendations for movies, or books or restaurants. Never learn from others' mistakes right? Thats what you are saying. Of course none of the above takes into account the fact that you are biased to judging yourself well (my actions were of course right). Your analysis could be based on some flawed assumption (the happiness i get from X is the maximum of happiness, maximizing the little happinesses reaches a global maximum, not a local one, etc). Or that other people could possibly know more than you. Not that this comment matters, only your judgment and thoughts could possibly be correct in the end.