Stumbling on Happiness by Daniel Gilbert – Book Report Essay Sample

be challenging. Gilbert proposes three premises to simplify this process. First, it is important to remember that tools for measurement are imperfect, so we should not expect perfection from them.

Second, although an individual may subjectively claim their feelings, it remains the most accurate form of measurement. Finally.

Through the jurisprudence of large Numberss, the effects of imperfections can be reduced. Gilbert also challenges our perception of reality and argues that our memories and perceptions are not always what they seem to be. Memories are created.

According to Gilbert, the brain stores incomplete memories and fills in the missing parts when we recall them. This filling-in process involves integrating visual perceptions, experiences, beliefs, desires, and thoughts with our existing knowledge to shape our perception of reality.

Our brain plays a crucial role in shaping our perception of reality during various experiences and also influences our inclination to focus on what is present rather than what is missing. This principle applies not only to current encounters but also to our thoughts regarding the future.

The omission of certain details greatly affects our perception of the future, as it may not align with our expectations. Similar to objects appearing more detailed when they are near us, our imagined futures that are closer in proximity include more specific information. Additionally, humans have flawed perceptions of the past, present, and future.

Gilbert suggests that individuals often recall their past memories based on their current circumstances, with the brain filling in any gaps by incorporating elements from the present. Furthermore, people also tend to envision the future as resembling their current thoughts and experiences.

Individuals often use their current level of hunger to predict future hunger levels,

resulting in basing judgments on present feelings when anticipating upcoming experiences.

According to Gilbert, our understanding of the future might be flawed as it is shaped by our present emotions. He claims that our perception of time can distort how we see things. When envisioning the future, we often rely on how we would currently feel if those events were happening at this moment. However, despite considering time in this process, we are still susceptible to mistakes because our present circumstances can influence how we imagine the future outcome. As a result, we tend to overstate the impact of the present on what lies ahead.

Likewise, individuals often compare the present to the past and may consequently select less preferable choices. An instance of this is when people choose a job with lower raises but a lower overall pay instead of a job that involves pay cuts but ultimately pays more. This decision stems from comparing their current wage with their previous earnings.

Gilbert claims that individuals struggle to accept a decrease in their salary, regardless of the overall increase in wages. Furthermore, Gilbert suggests that people often adopt an optimistic outlook by providing justifications for their experiences. It is common for us to interpret our encounters positively and support these interpretations with factual evidence.

When we possess a desire to believe something, we frequently depend on factual information to substantiate our beliefs. Nevertheless, conflicting facts that contradict our involvement are often ignored. Instead, we opt to embrace what coincides with our interests.

According to Gilbert, our tendency is to manipulate and selectively choose facts that align with our own beliefs. Although Gilbert's premises present a compelling argument, he overlooks

a notable flaw in his statement.

How is the term "happiness" defined? Gilbert's full statement is based on how we interpret our own levels of happiness and uses the concept of happiness to describe a wide range of situations that we experience, from enjoying a dessert to experiencing the companionship of being joined with a twin.

Nevertheless, happiness can have different definitions and experiences. The pleasure obtained from eating a chocolate bar differs from the joy felt in the presence of a loved one. When participants in Gilbert's experiments express their level of happiness at different times, they may be using various interpretations of "happy". For example, someone who is hungry and eats an ice cream cone might feel more satisfied compared to consuming it when already full.

Furthermore, does happiness arise from one's emotions (like feeling comfortable and content) or from the absence of certain experiences (i.e. non-experiencing)?

At first, people might experience various emotions like depression or anger. Additionally, individuals with different characteristics may also have different understandings of happiness. For example,

The subjects covered in Gilbert's experiments primarily focused on North Americans. It is evident that individuals from different cultures may define happiness differently, but Gilbert disregards this. He fails to consider the subjective nature of happiness.

Gilbert’s statement is undermined. The bibliography includes the following source: Gilbert. Daniel ( 2006 ). Stumbling on felicity. Knopf.