Why are we happy? Why aren't we happy? | Dan Gilbert?

We’re happy when things go as we expect, and not so happy when they don’t, because our brain works like a predictable friend who likes to plan.

Imagine you have a favorite toy that you always get on your birthday. You know it’s coming, so when it arrives, you feel happy, just like when everything goes as planned. But if one day, instead of getting your favorite toy, you get a crumby old sock, you might feel sad, because the plan didn’t work out.

Dan Gilbert says that our brain tries to make us happy by pretending things are better than they are, kind of like when you’re sick and your mom gives you medicine that tastes terrible. You don't want to take it, but you know it will help you feel better later.

Your brain is a clever helper. When something doesn’t go as expected, it works hard to make you feel good again, like when you're upset about not getting your favorite toy, and then you find out that the sock was actually a secret gift from your friend!

So, we’re happy because our brains help us pretend things are better than they are, and sometimes, that’s just what we need. We’re happy when things go as we expect, and not so happy when they don’t, because our brain works like a predictable friend who likes to plan.

Imagine you have a favorite toy that you always get on your birthday. You know it’s coming, so when it arrives, you feel happy, just like when everything goes as planned. But if one day, instead of getting your favorite toy, you get a crumby old sock, you might feel sad, because the plan didn’t work out.

Dan Gilbert says that our brain tries to make us happy by pretending things are better than they are, kind of like when you’re sick and your mom gives you medicine that tastes terrible. You don't want to take it, but you know it will help you feel better later.