Unhappy?

pachyderm · 02-20-2021, 10:08 AM

How Evolution Made Us Unhappy | Psychology Today

Quote:

Gustave Flaubert was of the opinion that the three necessary conditions for happiness were stupidity, selfishness, and good health. Of the three, stupidity was the most important, he thought.

Instead, evolution seems to have bequeathed us with intelligence, altruism, and fragile health. It certainly prioritised the development of a big frontal lobe in our brain (which gives us excellent executive and analytical skills) over a natural ability to be happy. This tells us a lot about Nature’s priorities.

Nature doesn’t select the happiest individuals, but the fittest, in an evolutionary process that highlights fear and discourages contentment. Our chronically unhappy species is the product of such a process.

Not that evolution and natural selection have any particular plans. Evolution doesn’t want to go anywhere. It certainly doesn’t want to go anywhere better.

Now you know!

unaluna · 02-20-2021, 01:17 PM

That explains a lot!

WovenGalaxy · 02-21-2021, 09:20 PM

I love this.

BethRags · 02-23-2021, 04:38 PM

But define "happiness." Stupid happiness isn't the same feeling as the deep gratification that some people feel through being altruistic, for example.

WastingAsparagus · 02-23-2021, 05:41 PM

That made me laugh. Thanks for that.

Travelinglady · Yesterday, 05:28 PM

Interesting ideas--but I don't agree!

02-20-2021, 01:17 PM	#2
unaluna Elder Harridan x-hankster unaluna The UNA in Florida - Please, dont @mention me?Thanks! Member Since: Jun 2011 Location: Milan/Michigan Posts: 35,242 (SuperPoster!) 54.7k hugs given	Re: Unhappy? That explains a lot!
	Reply With Quote

02-21-2021, 09:20 PM	#3
WovenGalaxy Grand Poohbah WovenGalaxy has no updates. Member Since: Sep 2019 Location: Earth Posts: 1,552 (SuperPoster!) 2,503 hugs given	Re: Unhappy? I love this.
	Reply With Quote

02-23-2021, 04:38 PM	#4
BethRags ~remember to breathe~ BethRags is practicing healthy breathing for brain, mind, body, spirit. Member Since: Jul 2019 Location: Downtown California Posts: 7,106 (SuperPoster!) 8,502 hugs given	Re: Unhappy? But define "happiness." Stupid happiness isn't the same feeling as the deep gratification that some people feel through being altruistic, for example. __________________ -Beth
	Reply With Quote

02-23-2021, 05:41 PM	#5
WastingAsparagus Magnate WastingAsparagus is trying to enjoy life. Member Since: Mar 2014 Location: Nada Posts: 2,246 1,143 hugs given	Re: Unhappy? That made me laugh. Thanks for that. __________________ "Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it!”
	Reply With Quote

Yesterday, 05:28 PM	#6
Travelinglady Legendary Wise Elder Travelinglady ''s eye muscles are strained from overuse. Member Since: Sep 2010 Location: North Carolina Posts: 41,271 (SuperPoster!) 19.9k hugs given	Re: Unhappy? Interesting ideas--but I don't agree! __________________
	Reply With Quote

Site Navigation

Unhappy?

My Support Forums

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode