Super Data Science: ML & AI Podcast with Jon Krohn 836: How to Become Happier, with Dr. Nat Ware
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Nov 15, 2024 
Dr. Nat Ware, an economist and social-impact innovator, challenges conventional notions of happiness. He discusses how our expectations can lead to dissatisfaction, highlighting the 'hedonic treadmill' where constant pursuit of joy often backfires. Instead, he encourages building meaningful relationships and embracing simple pleasures. Additionally, he shares insights on the interplay between altruism and personal fulfillment through volunteering, and introduces Forte, a novel funding model designed to enhance educational opportunities for underserved communities.
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Expectations and Reality
- Nat Ware's trip to Mozambique revealed that locals were often happier than his friends in Australia despite their poverty.
- This experience highlighted how expectations shape our perception of happiness.
Expectation Gaps
- Happiness is largely determined by the gap between our expectations and reality.
- When reality falls short of expectations, we feel unhappy, but exceeding expectations leads to happiness.
The Hedonic Treadmill
- The more we strive for happiness, the more elusive it becomes.
- Happiness often occurs when we are not actively seeking it, similar to running on a treadmill.