Barry Schwartz Quote
Twenty-five years ago, economist Tibor Scitovsky explored some of the consequences of the phenomenon of adaptation in his book The Joyless Economy. Human beings, Scitovsky said, want to experience pleasure. And when they consume, they do experience pleasure—as long as the things they consume are novel. But as people adapt—as the novelty wears off—pleasure comes to be replaced by comfort. It’s a thrill to drive your new car for the first few weeks; after that, it’s just comfortable. It certainly beats the old car, but it isn’t much of a kick. Comfort is nice enough, but people want pleasure. And comfort isn’t pleasure.
Barry Schwartz
Twenty-five years ago, economist Tibor Scitovsky explored some of the consequences of the phenomenon of adaptation in his book The Joyless Economy. Human beings, Scitovsky said, want to experience pleasure. And when they consume, they do experience pleasure—as long as the things they consume are novel. But as people adapt—as the novelty wears off—pleasure comes to be replaced by comfort. It’s a thrill to drive your new car for the first few weeks; after that, it’s just comfortable. It certainly beats the old car, but it isn’t much of a kick. Comfort is nice enough, but people want pleasure. And comfort isn’t pleasure.
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About Barry Schwartz
Barry Schwartz may refer to:
Barry Schwartz (psychologist) (born 1946), American psychologist
Barry Schwartz (technologist) (born 1980), blogger and reporter who writes about search engines and search engine marketing
Barry K. Schwartz (born 1942), American businessman, Thoroughbred racehorse owner, and former horse racing industry executive
Barry Schwartz (sociologist) (1938–2021), American sociologist
Barry Schwartz (psychologist) (born 1946), American psychologist
Barry Schwartz (technologist) (born 1980), blogger and reporter who writes about search engines and search engine marketing
Barry K. Schwartz (born 1942), American businessman, Thoroughbred racehorse owner, and former horse racing industry executive
Barry Schwartz (sociologist) (1938–2021), American sociologist