A short summary of The Evolution of Happiness (David M. Buss)
- There’s a mismatch between our brains and the environment. We work best in small groups/communities in a wilderness environment. The modern world is a vastly different environment.
- We have evolved mechanisms in emotions. Anger has strategic value, jealousy discourages infidelity, depression marks social defeat, anxiety and fear can become maladaptive (phobias, chronic anxiety). However these emotions operate at a level that may not be apparent in all situations. The hedonic treadmill problem characterizes the absence of long-term happiness.
- Evolution is competitive. Gains mean losses.
This is what evolution makes of happiness.