How to spot unhealthy ideas that stop true happiness | Johann Hari | Big Think

TL;DR

Our society's obsession with extrinsic values, such as money and status, is contributing to depression and anxiety.

Transcript

Of the nine causes of depression and anxiety I learned about for my book Lost Connections, there were a few that were really challenging for me because I realized how much I recognized them in myself. So one of the hardest – I have to tell you a story about something else first, but when I was, in 2009 on Christmas Eve—it makes it even sadder that ... Read More

Key Insights

• 🤑 Our obsession with extrinsic values, such as money and status, is contributing to mental health issues.
• 😃 Extrinsic values disrupt our ability to experience joy and flow states, leading to a decrease in overall well-being.
• 🖐️ Advertising plays a major role in perpetuating extrinsic values and diverting us from what is truly meaningful in life.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does our obsession with extrinsic values contribute to mental illness?

Research shows that the more we prioritize extrinsic values, the more likely we are to experience depression and anxiety. These values, such as money and status, can lead us to feel disconnected from our true selves and prioritize external validation over internal fulfillment.

Q: How do extrinsic values disrupt our ability to experience flow states?

Intrinsic motivation, doing something for the sheer joy and experience of it, is crucial for experiencing flow states. However, when we prioritize extrinsic reasons, such as impressing others or achieving external goals, we are pulled out of the present moment and can't fully immerse ourselves in the activity, thus inhibiting flow.

Q: How has advertising contributed to the dominance of extrinsic values in our culture?

Advertising bombards us with messages that our worth and happiness are tied to external possessions and appearances. It convinces us that we need more, leading us to prioritize material goods over meaningful experiences and connections.

Q: Can we break free from these junk values and prioritize intrinsic values?

Yes, it is possible to shift our mindset and prioritize intrinsic values. By recognizing the negative effects of extrinsic values and consciously choosing to prioritize joy, meaning, and authentic connections, we can work towards mental well-being.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Junk food has taken over our diets, and similarly, junk values such as money and status have taken over our minds, leading to mental illness.

• Research by Professor Tim Kasser shows that the more our lives are dominated by extrinsic values, the more likely we are to become depressed and anxious.

• Extrinsic values disrupt our ability to experience joy and flow states, and they also negatively affect the quality of our relationships.