The .Plan

The Wall Street Journal polled several academic “happiness researchers” to see what can be done to maximize happiness. Suggestions:

• Relishing the day
  
• Minimizing commute time
  
• Hanging out with friends
  
• Buying memories
  

Having lots of choice might seem like a good thing. But in fact, it can lead to unhappiness.

Consider a study conducted by professors Jane Ebert and Daniel Gilbert. Participants were allowed to choose an art poster to take home. Some were told that, if they didn’t like the poster, they could exchange it for another. Others were told their decision was final.

“Who was happiest with their choice?” asks Prof. Gilbert of Harvard University. “Those for whom the choice was irrevocable. When options are open, the mind generates debate. When options are closed, the mind generates satisfaction.”

This insight spurred Prof. Gilbert to limit his own choices. “It made me realize that I ought to propose to my girlfriend,” he says. “Sure enough, now that she’s my wife, I’m happier.”
–Jonathan Clements, “The Pursuit of Happiness: Six Experts Tell What They’ve Done to Achieve It”, Wall Street Journal, December 6, 2006

Related reading:

• Barry Schwartz, The Paradox of Choice: Why More Is Less
  
• Gregg Easterbrook, The Progress Paradox: How Life Gets Better While People Feel Worse

Much of my work brings me into partnership with people who would describe themselves as being on ‘the left’. Unfortunately, most of them have blinders on when it comes to acknowledging good work by those who would describe themselves as being on ‘the right’. So it gives me good cheer to see the Los Angeles Times post this surprising editorial:

The focus on AIDS by evangelicals isn’t new, but Warren is taking it to a new level. Though churches were initially and inexcusably silent on AIDS, attitudes began to shift as AIDS declined in the United States while growing in Africa. Pressure from his Christian base may have been a factor in President Bush’s 2003 decision to start an initiative against AIDS, devoting $15 billion over five years to fight the disease. Now, Warren aims to increase church involvement.

…Bush and his Christian supporters seldom get the credit they deserve for their role in the global fight against AIDS. U.S. spending on the disease overseas has risen more than tenfold under Bush, while Christian groups have given unselfishly to the cause. Churches, in fact, run health clinics in much of rural Africa; without them, stemming AIDS would be all but impossible. So praise the Lord and pass the antiretrovirals.
–“Christian Conservatives vs. AIDS”, Los Angeles Times, November 30, 2006