Modern Wisdom #873 - Lionel Page - The Invisible Psychology Of Happiness & Meaning
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Dec 5, 2024 In this enlightening conversation, Lionel Page, a professor at the University of Queensland and evolutionary psychology expert, dives into the elusive nature of happiness. He reveals how social media influences our perceptions and leads to distorted self-assessments. Page discusses the paradox of pursuing high aspirations, often overshadowing true contentment, and emphasizes that happiness stems from personal growth, not wealth. He also explores the importance of community and evolutionary instincts in finding meaning in life.
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Happiness as a Valuation System
- Happiness is a valuation system designed by evolution to aid decision-making.
- Different perspectives on happiness, like social connection or stoicism, are like the blind men and the elephant.
Balancing Happiness
- Happiness involves trade-offs, balancing social connections with saying no.
- It pushes us towards achievable goals, finding a balance between low and high aspirations.
Social Comparison
- We compare ourselves to others, especially those slightly ahead, to learn and adapt.
- Comparing to vastly different people is less useful than comparing to peers.
