In this episode of the "No Stupid Questions" podcast, psychologists Angela Duckworth and Stephen Dubner delve into the intricate challenges of quantifying hard work and the intriguing U-shaped curve of happiness throughout life. They discuss the pitfalls of relying on self-reported measures of hard work, pointing out how reference bias and social desirability can skew results. The conversation then transitions to the happiness curve, exploring why happiness tends to decline from adolescence to middle age before bouncing back, likely due to changing expectations and perspectives. Ultimately, the podcast highlights the significance of mindfulness and gratitude in enhancing emotional well-being, recommending practical techniques like the "Three Blessings Exercise" to help lift one's spirits.
