Webnesia MCR

blog

pensées

poems

2020s

2010s

2000s

1990s

1980s

1970s

publications

dreams

recordings

verse

books

reading list

wishlist

blog
archives

Saturday, July 29, 2006

Keeps us on the chase (McMahon)

Although natural selection has conditioned us to experience pleasure in activities that contribute to our survival, it disposes us to quickly adapt to them and then to strive for a little more. In this view, enduring satisfaction or permanent contentment would not be conducive to survival. It is in our interest—and so in our genes—always to be slightly wanting, restlessly searching for further satisfaction. A bit of anxiety keeps us on our guard against danger, and a bit of unfulfilled desire keeps us on the chase, ever eager to ensure our survival and that of our kin.

Darrin M. McMahon, Happiness: A History

Labels:

© 1996 - 2024
All rights reserved.
Michael C. Rush (aka M. C. Rush)
Direct inquires to:  rushmc @ webnesia.com

(Site was originally called @ Wit's End, then
The Shattered Mirror, before becoming Webnesia.)

Defender of Truth & Justice since (approx.) 1973!