Why humans are so good at feeling bad
What can an economist teach us about misery? I had that question in mind while reading the new book The Opposite of Happiness: How Bad Feelings Make and Break Us, by eminent researcher George Loewenstein. The field is not exactly known for its facility with human emotions, but Loewenstein is a co-founder of behavioral economics, […]
Economist George Loewenstein has penned a thought-provoking new book called The Opposite of Happiness, which delves into the role of negative emotions in human life. Loewenstein, a co-founder of behavioral economics, argues that negative feelings like hunger, pain, anger, and loneliness are evolutionary mechanisms that have helped us survive and reproduce.
He explains that these unpleasant emotions are more powerful, persistent, and pervasive than positive ones, as they still heavily shape our conscious experience, even in modern times.
Loewenstein's book offers a fresh perspective on the pervasive nature of misery, drawing on the Four Noble Truths from Buddhism and Adam Smith's observation about people's pursuit of wealth leading to dissatisfaction. By presenting this understanding in modern psychological terms, Loewenstein provides a lens through which we can view the anxiety and unhappiness that often characterize contemporary life.
One key insight from the book is the concept of negative "meta-emotions" – the judgmental feelings we have about our negative emotions. Loewenstein asserts that much of our misery stems not from the fact that we feel bad, but from the belief that we should feel otherwise. This realization can be liberating, as it helps us accept that it's normal for life to sometimes be difficult, without expecting an unrealistic state of constant happiness.
Loewenstein discusses how social media can exacerbate the mental health crisis by amplifying negative emotions, particularly those related to social comparisons with others. He suggests that we might benefit from embracing the reality that it's quite normal for life to have its share of hardships, potentially leading to a little less misery overall.
In summary, The Opposite of Happiness presents a compelling case for understanding the role of negative emotions in human life and how they shape our experiences. By acknowledging the inevitability of misery, we might be able to live more wisely and with less emotional conflict.
Written by urgent.news from Vox's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
