The Comfort of Familiarity

This chapter examines the human tendency to seek solace in familiar books, music, and films during stressful periods. It discusses the psychological effects of comfort, the broaden and build theory, and contrasts the need for familiarity with the desire for new experiences, particularly as individuals age. The conversation also touches on the exploration-exploitation tradeoff in decision-making, emphasizing the importance of balancing comfort with the potential benefits of discomfort for personal growth.