Making Sense with Sam Harris #359 — Getting Used to It
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Mar 19, 2024 Cass Sunstein, a renowned legal scholar and Harvard Law professor, joins the conversation to delve into the intricacies of habituation and its ripple effects on happiness and relationships. They explore how people become desensitized to both positive and negative experiences, impacting their lives and society. The discussion touches on midlife crises, the value of experiences over material possessions, and the emotional significance of small acts of kindness. Sunstein also shares insights on misinformation, political polarization, and the challenges of maintaining robust free speech.
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Habituation's Double-Edged Sword
- Habituation is a diminishing sensitivity to stimuli, both positive and negative.
- While it can be helpful to not constantly notice minor annoyances, it can also lead to complacency towards significant problems.
Finding Pixie Dust in Family
- Cass Sunstein, inspired by his book, now views his children and dogs with renewed amazement.
- He appreciates the everyday miracle of their presence, rather than seeing them as simply "part of life."
Rekindling Romance
- Esther Perel suggests couples create strategic separations to rekindle romance.
- Seeing each other in new contexts or interacting with others can reignite the "spark."
