From the course: Happiness Tips

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Utility theory: Is it selfish to be happy?

Utility theory: Is it selfish to be happy?

From the course: Happiness Tips

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Utility theory: Is it selfish to be happy?

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- In this section, I want to explain the utility theory of happiness Which says that rather than concentrating on your own happiness, you should be maximizing the happiness in the whole system. A small act of kindness by you, which might have a small cost to you in terms of time or money, could make a big difference to someone else. And so, you should do it. Of course this will make you happier too, so everybody wins. Similarly, it's okay to say no to something that will make you unhappy. Even though it might be good for someone else. If the downside for you, outweighs the upside for them. Someone's gotta look out for number one. So the question is, what's greater? The cost to you, or the gain to the another person? Thinking about it the other way around. What if something would make you happy, but would be slightly bad for someone else. Could that ever be justified? What if it makes you very happy, and only makes a small difference to them, would it be okay? Well, the utility theory,…

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