There are two types of fun, type one and type two. Type one fun is immediate, pleasurable experiences like enjoying a beer or a hot fudge sundae. On the other hand, type two fun involves challenges and discomfort in the journey, with the enjoyment derived from reaching a goal at the end. This distinction is studied by economist George Lowenstein, highlighting that meaningful pleasures often involve overcoming difficulties. Lowenstein argues that human motivation is not solely driven by in-the-moment enjoyment but by the anticipation of reaching a goal. However, placing all happiness on achieving milestones can lead to unrealistic expectations of how fulfilling the experience will be.
The Happiness Lab’s Dr. Laurie Santos brings together other Pushkin hosts to mark the International Day of Happiness. Revisionist History’s Malcolm Gladwell talks about the benefits of the misery of running in a Canadian winter. Dr. Maya Shankar from A Slight Change of Plans talks about quieting her mental chatter. And Cautionary Tales host Tim Harford surprises everyone with the happiness lessons to be learned from a colonoscopy.
Hear more of The Happiness Lab HERE.
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