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Why You Always Want More, And How To Fix It | Michael Easter
Jul 8, 2024
Michael Easter, a New York Times bestselling author known for 'The Comfort Crisis' and 'Scarcity Brain,' dives into the struggle between our ancient instincts and modern excess. He discusses the 'scarcity loop'—how it drives our cravings and behaviors in today's world. Michael shares tactical advice for breaking free from overconsumption and embracing discomfort for personal growth. He emphasizes that confronting challenges can lead to true satisfaction, making the case for a more mindful approach to happiness.
01:08:40
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Quick takeaways
- Understanding the evolutionary roots of overconsumption and the challenges posed by ancient instincts in a modern world.
- Recognizing and breaking the scarcity loop by reducing opportunity and incorporating deliberate pauses into addictive behaviors.
Deep dives
The Concept of Scarcity in Human Behavior
Humans have evolved with a tendency towards overconsumption due to an ancient drive for scarcity. This inclination is exemplified in various modern behaviors such as overeating, excessive possessions, and information overload. Examples include the average home containing 10,000 to 40,000 items, food wastage, and information saturation. The mismatch between ancient survival instincts and modern abundance poses challenges in moderating behaviors, leading to issues like obesity and overconsumption.
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