Day: August 13, 2014

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/heres-the-actual-mathematical-equation-for-happiness.html

Here’s the Actual Mathematical Equation for Happiness
Diana Vilibert
August 6, 2014

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“It is often said that you will be happier if your expectations are lower. We find that there is some truth to this,” said the study’s lead author Dr. Robb Rutledge. “Lower expectations make it more likely that an outcome will exceed those expectations and have a positive impact on happiness.” But expectations don’t just affect our happiness after we learn the outcome of a decision. “If you have plans to meet a friend at your favourite restaurant, those positive expectations may increase your happiness as soon as you make the plan,” says Dr. Rutledge. “The new equation captures these different effects of expectations and allows happiness to be predicted based on the combined effects of many past events.”

And while the key to happiness may not lie in expecting the worst, this study does open up the door to learning more about mood disorders and improving treatment options.

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With all due apologies to Doctor Norman Vincent Peale (Requiescat In Pacem) and his Power of Positive Thinking … …

Here is scientific confirmation of my proposed MEME of a particular wisdom

——

“Expect the worst and all surprises are pleasant ones!”

— —  which I call “Reinke’s Law of Negative Thinking”.

Yeah!

Now I just need to right a book on that topic.

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http://lifehacker.com/the-benefits-of-pessimism-1620150406  

Strategic pessimism: This style of pessimism uses strategies to lower expectations and decrease anxiety by thinking through all the negative outcomes and planning for them.

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