Hedonism refers to the pursuit of pleasure and the avoidance of pain. The principle is that seeking pleasure and avoiding pain is the main goal of life. I don’t remember a lot of fine details about early philosophers, but I do remember the school of Cyrenaics – founded by the Greek philosopher Aristippus – which advocates that life should be aimed at maximizing pleasure and avoiding pain. Unsurprisingly, research has shown that seeking pleasure is in fact not the key to happiness.

The concept of the Hedonic Treadmill, also known as hedonic adaptation, is a theory that builds on the concept of hedonism and Cyrenaic philosophy. It suggests that as people make more money or experience positive changes, their expectations and desires rise in tandem, leading to no permanent gain in happiness¹. You got that raise, but now you want to spend more money to get things you wouldn’t get earlier. You got that new phone, but now you know that the next one is releasing in 4 months. You got that new house, but then you want new furniture and decor, until you finally get used to it…

The different wanting and liking circuits have a role to play here, and other factors that contribute to this endless hamster wheel include:

Adaptation – we simply get used to things.

Rising expectations, comparison and related socio-cultural factors- the reference group to ‘measure’ success changes as one attains more success.

Extrinsic goals – Focus on material things as opposed to experiences and relationships,

…and – the most impactful in my opinion,

Neglect of core psychological needs – where this pursuit through external achievements fails to address or even acknowledge core needs such as autonomy, competence, connection with others and so on.

This concept is significant in understanding why pursuing material gains or external achievements often fails to produce lasting happiness.

Focusing on intrinsic values, fostering personal relationships, and finding meaning beyond material gains may offer more sustainable paths to well-being, and this is why strategies for achieving lasting happiness often focus on internal factors like gratitude, fostering positive relationships, and experiences rather than expenses.

Some things I find practically useful in trying to step off the hedonistic treadmill include:

• Focusing on intrinsic values – which begins by exploring what they actually are for each of us. Maybe it’s volunteering for a cause one cares about, spending time in nature, a creative pursuit, or even the joy of listening to your favorite song as a dedicated 4 minute activity.
• Nurturing our relationships: The impact of strong social connections on well-being is undisputed. This can look like making time for loved ones, investing in quality conversations, and building a support network that uplifts and encourages rather than one that competes and compares².
• Savoring simple pleasures: A regular sunset, a regular meal shared with friends, the satisfaction of completing a task. Practicing gratitude for these everyday moments and pausing just for a second to appreciate them, especially as a habit can have a profound impact in the long term.

While the hedonistic treadmill is a real trap, it’s important to remember that pleasure can be a part of a happy life. The key is to find a healthy balance. Instead of mindlessly pursuing fleeting highs, focus on activities that bring genuine enjoyment instead of those that are an autopilot dopamine seeking response.

Ultimately, significant bodies of research and some common sense suggests that lasting happiness doesn’t come from external validation or material possessions (alone). It comes from cultivating a meaningful life that aligns with our values, fosters strong connections, and allows us to appreciate the simple joys along the way.

Footnotes:

1. Variability in the Set Point: The idea that everyone has a fixed happiness set point has been questioned. Recent studies suggest that this set point can change over time due to sustained life changes, psychological practices, or significant life events.
2. The caveat here is that this is easier said than done. Depending on personal circumstance which can vary drastically depending on factors completely out of an individual’s control, it simply might not be possible for them to create, let alone foster relationships

Supporting Research:

• Hedonic Treadmill: Brickman, P., & Campbell, D. T. (1971). Hedonic relativism and planning for wellbeing. https://www.scirp.org/reference/ReferencesPapers?ReferenceID=557883
• Hedonic Adaptation: Diener, E., Lucas, R. E., & Diener, C. (2006). Socioeconomic status and subjective well-being: The continuing debate. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2020-79090-001
• Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2000-13324-007
• Holt-Lunstad, J., Smith, T. B., & Layton, J. B. (2010). Social relationships and mortality risk: A meta-analytic review. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2910600/
• Bryant, F. B., & Veroff, J. (2007). The affect intensity differentiation model: A theoretical explication and empirical exploration. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2680763/
• Emmons, R. A., & McCullough, M. E. (2003). Counting blessings versus burdens: An experimental investigation of gratitude counting and resultant emotional and physical well-being. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2003-01140-012