Hedonic Treadmill

QUOTE

Aldous Huxley once said…

“Happiness is not achieved by the conscious pursuit of happiness; it is generally the by-product of other activities.”

(English writer and philosopher.)

CONCEPT

Hedonic Treadmill

The Hedonic Treadmill, also known as Hedonic Adaptation, is a psychological theory that suggests that individuals tend to return to a relatively stable level of happiness despite major positive or negative events or life changes.

According to this theory, as a person makes more money or experiences success, their expectations and desires rise in tandem, which results in no permanent gain in happiness.

This phenomenon is likened to a treadmill because just as one keeps walking or running without changing their position on the machine, individuals maintain a relatively stable baseline happiness level no matter how much they achieve or acquire in life.

STORY

I’ll Be Happy When … (Right?)

Howard Hughes was a man of extraordinary talent and ambition. He set multiple world airspeed records, built and piloted the famous Spruce Goose (the largest aircraft ever built at the time), and produced major Hollywood films like "Hell's Angels" and "The Outlaw."

Despite his wealth and accomplishments, Hughes was perpetually driven to achieve more, believing each success would bring the lasting satisfaction he sought.

As Hughes continued to accumulate wealth, his lifestyle became increasingly extravagant. He bought and transformed the RKO film studio, owned multiple mansions, and had a fleet of private aircraft. However, instead of leading to greater happiness, each achievement seemed to only spur him on to the next, with periods of severe depression and reclusiveness in between.

His quest for more was insatiable.

In the later years of his life, Hughes famously became a recluse, living in hotel rooms free of outside contact, suggesting a deep level of dissatisfaction and disengagement from the world. This reclusion was in stark contrast to his earlier life filled with public achievements and interactions.

His withdrawal could be seen as an extreme response to the Hedonic Treadmill—after years of pursuing happiness through achievement and acquisition without lasting fulfillment, he turned away from the world entirely.

Hughes's story is both fascinating and tragic. It offers a unique look into how even the wealthiest and most successful individuals can fall victim to the cycles of the Hedonic Treadmill. His life serves as a compelling example of how relentless pursuit of more, driven by the misconception that the next achievement will be the key to happiness, often leads to deeper feelings of emptiness and dissatisfaction.

This unfortunate tale highlights the elusive nature of happiness when sought through external means alone and underscores the importance of seeking balance and inner contentment.