To synthesize means either to combine different ideas or elements into a whole, or to produce or form something. Last week in Krefeld and this week in Osterath we listened to a talk by Dan Gilbert about how we all have the ability to produce or form happiness for ourselves. He differentiated between natural happiness, which is what you get when you get what you wanted, and synthesized happiness which is what you make when you don’t get what you wanted. I think it was new to all of us just how valid and real that synthesized happiness is.
Here’s the talk if you want to see it again:
I discovered that TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design. The conferences usually take place in California.
So enjoy the talk. And remember, not getting what you want can make you just as happy as getting it. For example, I lost my tennis match on Saturday, but I’m happy with that. My opponent was better, and a good ten years younger; there I am manufacturing a good feeling. (And no cramps this time)
4 Comments
May 23, 2009 at 12:45 pm
Right then, I shall endeavour to be happy (concentrates hard).
May 25, 2009 at 6:18 pm
Now do I detect a slight hint of cynical scepticism there?
I don’t know if you took the time to look at what Prof Gilbert says, but I loved how subversive his message is. In our consumerist world, where it’s hard to escape the impression that you are neglecting your civic duty if you’re NOT out there in the shopping malls, he’s telling us that actually, not getting stuff makes us just as happy as getting it. And freedom of choice is the enemy of a certain kind of happiness.
But you have a busy and fulfilled life, so there’slittle danger of you looking for happiness in all the wrong places (like shoe shops).
May 28, 2009 at 12:12 pm
Actually, it made perfect sense, but I can’t resist making fun of things. Or at least I don’t want to, which is almost the same thing.
May 28, 2009 at 4:44 pm
Oh phew, that’s alright then. Making fun is fine. Making a mockery not.