"Misery's origins found in comparison: the factors that genuinely bring us joy"
In a captivating lecture titled "Happiness - what really matters in life," Professor Hanno Beck delved into the fascinating world of happiness research at Studium Generale, Pforzheim University. The event, which attracted approximately 400 attendees on site and 1000 online, began 10 minutes late due to a high turnout of curious minds.
Professor Beck, in his engaging discourse, highlighted the importance of understanding the difference between happiness (hedonia) and satisfaction (eudaimonia) as defined by the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle. He suggested that everyone has a personal hedonometer, a subjective inner assessment of their own happiness and satisfaction.
One of the key points Professor Beck emphasised was the adaptation effect, or hedonic adaptation, which can help increase happiness. He also warned about the perils of comparison, stating that it can lead to unhappiness. To combat this, he offered a simple yet effective tip: thinking every evening while brushing teeth about what one is grateful for.
The lecture also touched upon the history of happiness research, including the principle of utility developed by Jeremy Bentham in the 18th century. Bentham, a British philosopher, also considered developing a "hedonometer," an instrument for measuring happiness, a concept that resonates with modern science's distinction between the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin.
Professor Beck also addressed some common misconceptions in happiness research, urging critical questioning of findings. He presented evidence showing that marriage, while often associated with happiness, can lead to a significant decrease in happiness for couples. On the other hand, reducing smartphone use, buying experiences instead of things, and spending money on others can boost satisfaction.
An intriguing exercise mentioned in the lecture, the "Dakeschoen," is likely a practical or reflective exercise designed to illustrate a concept related to well-being or happiness. However, this term does not appear to be widely known or standard in happiness research literature or psychology. It might be a misheard or misspelled term, a coined or context-specific exercise, or a unique thought experiment, mindfulness exercise, or gratitude practice specific to that course or lecture series.
In the spirit of the holiday season, Professor Beck also shared insights on how family activities, nurturing traditions and rituals, making donations, and choosing shared experiences over material gifts can increase happiness during this period.
The lecture concluded with a call to embrace the science of happiness, question the findings, and apply the insights to our daily lives to lead more fulfilling, satisfying lives.
- In the captivating lecture on happiness, Professor Beck discussed the role of education-and-self-development in personal-growth, suggesting that thinking about what one is grateful for every evening while brushing teeth is a simple yet effective tip for promoting happiness.
- In his discourse, Professor Beck also touched upon the concept of lifestyle, emphasizing that reducing smartphone use and spending money on others, rather than on material possessions, can lead to increased satisfaction.
