Experienced well-being is on average unaffected by marriage, not because marriage makes no difference to happiness, but because it changes some aspects of life for the better and others for the worse.
Meaning
In his chapter on thinking about life, Kahneman shows that big life events rarely shift daily mood as much as we predict, because gains and losses offset. Remember this when chasing a milestone: look for what you will enjoy day to day, not just what looks good on paper.
Source: Thinking, Fast and Slow (2011)
About the author
(1934–2024) was an Israeli-American psychologist and Nobel laureate known for his work on behavioral economics and decision-making. His research challenged traditional economic theories by showing how human decisions are often influenced by cognitive biases. Kahneman’s book "Thinking, Fast and Slow" explains the dual systems of thought that shape our judgments. His collaboration with Amos Tversky revolutionized the understanding of risk and uncertainty. Kahneman’s insights have influenced economics, psychology, and public policy. His work continues to guide how individuals and organizations approach decision-making and human behavior.
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