The surprising science of happiness | Dan Gilbert
TED・2 minutes read
The human brain has tripled in mass over two million years, with the prefrontal cortex playing a key role in this growth by allowing people to simulate experiences before trying them in real life. Despite the impact bias causing individuals to overestimate the impact of outcomes on their happiness, the ability to synthesize happiness, whether natural or synthetic, is crucial for overall well-being.
Insights
- The human brain has significantly increased in size over millions of years, with the prefrontal cortex playing a crucial role in this growth by enabling the simulation of experiences before they occur.
- The capacity to synthesize happiness, both natural and synthetic, showcases the psychological immune system's ability to adapt to circumstances, emphasizing the importance of accepting decisions and avoiding constant pursuit of alternatives to enhance overall well-being.
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Recent questions
How has the human brain evolved over time?
It has nearly tripled in mass over two million years.
What is the function of the prefrontal cortex in the brain?
It acts as an experience simulator.
How do people synthesize happiness?
Through a psychological immune system.
What impact does the freedom to choose have on happiness?
It is essential for natural happiness.
How do people's perceptions of choice influence their happiness?
They tend to overestimate the impact of choices.
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Summary
00:00
"Evolution of Human Brain and Happiness"
- Human brain has nearly tripled in mass over two million years, evolving from 1.25 pounds to almost three pounds.
- The frontal lobe, particularly the prefrontal cortex, is a new part of the brain that significantly contributed to its growth.
- The prefrontal cortex acts as an experience simulator, allowing humans to simulate experiences before trying them in real life.
- People can simulate experiences in their heads, like trying liver and onion ice cream, before actually experiencing them.
- A study reveals that lottery winners and paraplegics are equally happy a year after their respective life-changing events.
- The impact bias causes people to overestimate the impact of different outcomes on their happiness.
- Human beings possess a psychological immune system that helps them synthesize happiness and change their views of the world.
- Synthetic happiness, created when we don't get what we wanted, is as real and enduring as natural happiness.
- An experiment with amnesiac patients shows that they also synthesize happiness, even when they don't remember choosing the object.
- Freedom to choose and change our minds is essential for natural happiness, while being trapped can enhance synthetic happiness.
15:13
"Choice vs. Happiness: The Psychology of Decisions"
- An experiment conducted at Harvard involved a black-and-white photography course where students took pictures and selected two favorites to enlarge. They were then asked to choose one to keep, with half being told they could change their mind and the other half being told the decision was final.
- Students who were allowed to change their minds before the picture was sent out expressed uncertainty and dissatisfaction, while those who had no choice and were stuck with their decision ended up liking their chosen picture more.
- A new group of students were given the choice between courses where they could change their minds about their selected pictures or where the decision was final. Surprisingly, 66% preferred the course where they could change their minds, despite the fact that those in the irreversible condition ended up happier with their choice.
- The experiment highlights how people tend to overestimate the impact of choices on their happiness, with the capacity to create synthetic happiness within themselves by accepting their decisions and not constantly seeking alternatives.
