The Antidote To Hedonic Adaptation

The US hails consumption as a patriotic duty. But refraining from buying isn’t a punishment, and practicing a bit of self-control both resets our hedonistic baseline and re-centers our behaviors around moderation.

It’s paradoxical but true: Imposing temporary limits ultimately sets you free. On today’s show author John Oakes discusses the numerous benefits associated with fasting from food, from spending, and everything in between.

Here’s a preview:

[9:00] What do ancient philosophers have to say about self-control, holding back, and managing desires?

[13:00] Musings on why it’s important to put limits on ourselves even though our economy thrives when we consume without limits

[25:00] We can do hard things! The personal benefits associated with embarking on a challenge and accomplishing it

[29:00] Is overconsumption contributing to our nationwide ‘modern malaise’?

Resources mentioned:

• The Fast: The History, Science, Philosophy, and Promise of Doing Without
• Episode #049: The Why, How, and When of a No-Spend Challenge
• The Comfort Crisis: Embrace Discomfort to Reclaim Your Wild, Happy, Healthy Self

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