Description

The hedonic treadmill is a psychological and economic concept that describes how humans quickly adapt to positive or negative life changes, returning to a baseline level of happiness. This means that while events like promotions or winning the lottery bring initial joy, this fades, leaving individuals back at their original level of happiness. This tendency stems from relative deprivation, where happiness is compared to others. The constant pursuit of wealth and possessions can lead to overconsumption and environmental damage. To break free from this cycle, focus on gratitude, mindfulness, experiences, and meaningful relationships, rather than chasing material possessions. Comparable works include The Happiness Hypothesis by Jonathan Haidt

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