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eolecki's picture

Satisfier Vs. Maximizer

I'm not positive to what extent I agree with Schwartz's philosophy.  His suggestions to be happier make logical sense.  If we don't see better alternatives we will be more satisfied with what we have and more choices makes making a decision much harder.  But I just am a little hesitant to accept a philosophy that encourages not trying to get the best and not looking at all the options.  It is true; decisions are easier and could potentially make you more satisfied, but that satisfaction comes at a price of being oblivious to your reality of choices.  For some who gets depressed thinking of imaginary alternatives that are beyond reality, I think this approach to decision making would be helpful.  But a little regret and rethinking about choices isn't a completely bad thing.  While Schwartz makes it sound like being a satisfier is the best route to decision making, I feel that you should be in-between the two.  You should agonize over decisions, but you should arbitrarily choose either.    

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