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Quote by Jonathan Rottenberg

“Our current cultural ethos is that achieving happiness is like achieving other goals. If we simply work hard at it, we can master happiness, just as we can figure out how to use new computer software, play the piano or learn Spanish. However, if the goal of becoming happier is different from these other goals, efforts devoted to augmenting happiness may backfire, disappointing -and potentially depressing- us because we can't achieve our expected goal.”

Quote by Jonathan Rottenberg

Book:The Depths: The Evolutionary Origins of the Depression Epidemic
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The Depths: The Evolutionary Origins of the Depression Epidemic

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Jonathan Rottenberg

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“Our species is diurnal, and the best chance of finding sustenance and other rewards was in the light phase (think about the challenge of identifying edible berries or stalking a mammoth). Consequently, we are configured to be more alert during the day than at night. Consistent with the link between light and mood, some clinically serious low mood is triggered by the seasonal change of shorter daylight hours. The onset of seasonal affective disorder, a subtype of mood disorder, is usually in winter.”

HappinessSadnessDepressionEvolutionary PsychologyEpidemicLow Mood
Book:The Depths: The Evolutionary Origins of the Depression Epidemic
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“Fantasizing about a world without low mood is a vain exercise. Low moods have existed in some form across human cultures for many thousands of years. One way to appreciate why these states have enduring value is to ponder what would happen if we had no capacity for them. Just as animals with no capacity for anxiety were gobbled up by predators long ago, without the capacity for sadness, we and other animals would probably commit rash acts and repeat costly mistakes. Physical pain teaches a child to avoid hot burners; psychic pain teaches us to navigate life's rocky shoals with due caution.”

HappinessSadnessDepressionEvolutionary PsychologyEpidemicLow Mood
Book:The Depths: The Evolutionary Origins of the Depression Epidemic
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“I serve him because he appreciates being served. He serves me because he’s humble enough to, and I’m his peace. I don’t need to tell him he’s a King because I treat him as such. I respect him enough to let go of all that I once knew. He respects me enough to do the same, to let the world know I’m his peaceful Queen. Fortunately, our lives are full of choices, and God chose us to be together.”

Inspirational QuotesMotivational QuotesRelationship QuotesGod LovePoemsMarion BekoeKingQueenLove Poems Poetry RomanceServe Others
Author:Marion Bekoe
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