- Insight: People predict the likelihood of an event based on how easily they can come up with an example.
The Happiness Project
by Gretchen Rubin
Published date: 2009
Category: Self-help
Index Topics & Notes
- Insight: Laughter can boost immunity, and lower blood pressure and cortisol.
- Definition: We tend to view others' actions as reflections of their character and overlook contexual influences, whereas with ourselves we recognise that context influences our actions.
- Example: When someone else's phone rings at the cinema its because they are inconsiderate, but if my phone rings its because I need to be able to take a call from the babysitter and others shouldn't judge.
- Principle: Do not judge people too harshly, especially when meeting for the first time.
- Insight: Many religious and philosophic leaders think about death to have the strength to face the worst.
- Reference: Buddha: "Of all mindfulness meditations, that on death is supreme."
- Reference: Medieval monks kept images of skeletons as a memento mori.
- Reference: 16th century artists painted hourglasses, rotten fruits, guttering candles.
- Definition: Repeated exposure makes you like things more.
- Example: The more often you see a person, the more attractive and intelligent you will find them.
- Insight: Familiarity breeds affection.