This morning, I came across an insightful extract from Matt Haig’s “Reasons to Stay Alive” and thought it was worth sharing:
The world seems to be increasingly set up to make us feel down. After all, happiness doesn’t drive the economy. If we were content with what we have, there wouldn’t be a need for more. For instance, how do you sell an anti-aging cream? You make people worry about getting old. Getting people to vote for a political party usually involves making them anxious about issues like immigration. Insurance companies thrive on our fears about potential mishaps. Plastic surgery gets marketed by making us focus on our imperfections. TV shows gain viewership by fostering fear of missing out. And new smartphones sell because people worry about being left behind in technology.
Staying calm almost becomes a radical act. Being happy with our straightforward, unembellished lives isn’t beneficial for business. Embracing our imperfect, human selves doesn’t drive consumer demand.
It’s always nice to hear from you, Aniruddha! I hope everything is well with you and your family.
Thank you!