Researchers call this effect hedonic contrast—the perception or pleasure gained from something is affected by how it compares to other similar stimuli.
Researchers identified two goals that govern meal choices: utilitarian, in which practicality is paramount, and hedonic, in which pleasure is more important.
But, the trick only worked for what the researchers considered hedonic purchases, things you buy for fun or novelty, like fancy watches, chocolates, or lingerie.
There's also hedonic adaptation, which might explain Richard Lucas's work: people adapt to their circumstances, even if those situations once made them really happy.
科学快报-科学美国人Science Quickly, from SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN
There's also hedonic adaptation, which might explain Richard Lucas's work: people adapt to their circumstances, even if those situations once made them really happy.
So, there are these exceptions but putting aside the exceptions, the problem of adaptation is sometimes called " the hedonic treadmill" and the idea is hedonic for happy.
Finally, the reason happiness often escapes us may involve the hedonic treadmill - the human tendency to return to the same level of happiness after something very good or very bad has happened.
And the hedonic treadmill is...you know, you want something, you think if you're more beautiful, if you get more power, if you get more money and fame and then you'll finally be happy.