Vinh and Ali Show #5: The Paradox of Choice - Barry Schwatz
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Nov 28, 2020 
Exploring the Paradox of Choice, the podcast delves into how an abundance of options can lead to decreased happiness. They discuss decision-making struggles, maximizers vs. satisficers, and deceptive marketing tactics. The impact of excessive choices on relationships, sustainable happiness, and personal growth are also analyzed. Embracing simplicity, self-discovery, and the pursuit of contentment, the speakers share strategies to navigate decision-making for a happier life.
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More Choice Can Lower Happiness
- More available choice can reduce happiness because it increases the chance of regret and overwhelm.
- Greater wealth often increases choices and can therefore lower marginal utility and satisfaction.
Adaptation Eats Novelty Fast
- Humans adapt quickly to pleasurable changes, so new experiences lose value fast.
- Optimal happiness sits between no choice and excessive choice, so voluntarily limiting options often helps.
Streaming Choice Paralysis
- Ali describes subscription overload during lockdown and the paralysis when picking shows.
- He feels guilty about committing hours to one show amid many alternatives.