Making Sense with Sam Harris
#359 — Getting Used to It
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.
31:27
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Quick takeaways
- Habituation can lead to accepting negative situations without addressing them, like enduring mistreatment at work.
- Balancing happiness, meaning, and variety in life is essential, favoring experiences over material possessions for lasting fulfillment.
Deep dives
Understanding Habituation to Positive and Negative Experiences
Habituation is described as the diminishing sensitivity to stimuli we experience over time. The podcast delves into habituation to positive and negative experiences, using examples like going into cold water where initially it feels uncomfortable but gradually becomes tolerable. Habituation to negative occurrences is discussed, highlighting the potential dangers of getting used to bad situations without addressing them, like tolerating mean behavior at work or living in areas with high crime rates.
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