FT News Briefing FT Weekend: How has lockdown changed us? Plus: a night on the Orient Express
Sep 25, 2021
Janan Ganesh, a prominent FT columnist, shares his reflections on how the lockdown impacted people's lives. He argues that lockdown hasn’t changed him but worries about its effects on others. The conversation explores the 'Treat Brain' phenomenon, revealing how indulgences have become a coping mechanism during the pandemic. Additionally, Maria Shollenbarger transports listeners on the luxurious Orient Express, discussing its historical significance and the evolving nature of luxury travel. It’s a fascinating dive into behavior, change, and indulgence.
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Oyster Boy
- During lockdown, Will developed a daily habit of eating oysters on a park bench.
- This indulgent behavior, dubbed "Treat Brain", became joyless and compulsive.
Treat Brain Defined
- Treat Brain is the pursuit of pleasure without limits, marked by excessive indulgence.
- The pandemic drastically altered the acceptable level of treats for many.
Habit Formation
- Behavioral science suggests habits form easily through automated behaviors.
- Lockdown disrupted established habits, allowing new, potentially harmful ones to form.
