EconTalk Daniel Haybron on Happiness
Nov 23, 2020
Philosopher Daniel Haybron, author of "Happiness: A Very Short Introduction" and a professor at St. Louis University, dives into the intricate nature of happiness. He discusses how happiness is more than just a feeling, emphasizing the importance of emotional connections and adaptability. The conversation critiques simplistic measures of happiness and explores cultural differences in emotional expression. Haybron also reflects on moral responsibilities in fostering community well-being and the significance of finding joy in mindful living.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Happiness: A Mongrel Concept
- Happiness is a complex concept with varying meanings, like emotional well-being or good fortune.
- Consider the context and what people value when discussing happiness.
Well-being vs. Materialism
- Modern economics often equates well-being with material consumption.
- However, true well-being comes from relationships and other non-material factors.
The Focusing Illusion
- Haybron's wife's business school classmates prioritized signing bonuses over job satisfaction, highlighting the focusing illusion.
- People overestimate the long-term impact of material gains.
