Final answer:
Gilbert and the other psychologists can make it difficult to sustain happiness.
Humans are bad at pursuing happiness because its our tendency to focus on the present moment.
Yes their point is correct as we make choices that give us immediate pleasure.
Due to hedonic adaptation the duration of the pleasure to decrease over time.
Step-by-step explanation:
This means that we quickly get used to good things, and they no longer bring us as much pleasure as they did when we first experienced them.
This can make it difficult to sustain happiness, as we constantly chase new experiences to recapture the initial rush of pleasure.
One clear example of how humans are bad at pursuing happiness is our tendency to focus on the present moment, rather than considering the long-term consequences of our actions.
We often make choices that give us immediate pleasure, even if we know that they will not lead to lasting happiness.
For instance, we might eat unhealthy foods, spend money we don't have, or engage in risky behaviors, all in the pursuit of short-term gratification.
Psychologists have also found that we are prone to making comparisons with others, which can lead to feelings of envy and dissatisfaction.
We constantly compare our possessions, our relationships, and our accomplishments to those of others, and often feel like we are falling short.
This can make it difficult to appreciate what we have and find happiness in our own lives.
The article suggests that the intensity and duration of the pleasure we take in new things tend to decrease over time due to hedonic adaptation.
We quickly get used to new experiences, and they no longer provide the same level of excitement and satisfaction. This can lead to feelings of boredom and dissatisfaction, as we constantly seek out new things to fill the void.
In conclusion, while humans may be bad at pursuing happiness in some ways, we are not doomed to be unhappy forever. We can learn to overcome our cognitive biases and develop strategies for achieving lasting happiness.