Good read. central thesis: there are too many choices available to us in modern society; remedy- satisfice more and maximize less.
some key ideas:
-Peak-end: rule dictated 90% of remembrance of pleasure/displeasure
-learned helplessness. rodents & shocks
-social relations: most important factor in happiness. paradox: close ties restrict freedom & choices
-Attitude towards success/failure on 3 axes: global-specific, chronic-transient, personal, universal. 1st leads to helplessness & depression. 2nd returns control to individual.
Schwartz sez (last chapter -selfhelp)
1. choose when to choose - try reviewing recent decisions for decision process info
2. be a chooser, not a picker - sometimes nothing is the best choice
3. satisfice more, maximize less.
4. consider the opportunity costs of opportunity costs. -stick with what you like, use other's references for new items.
5. make decisions non-reversible.
6. practice gratitude
7. regret less
8. anticipate adapatation
9. control expectations - allow for serendipity
10. curtail social comparison.
11. learn to love constraints.
