Why Experiences Make You Happier Than Things

Cait Flanders went deep into debt to buy all the clothes, books and gadgets she was convinced would make her happier. But she soon realized that doing things—rather than having things — was a much more fulfilling way to spend her hard-earned income. Dr. Laurie explains the psychology of material vs. experiential spending and why investing in experiences like concerts, vacations, and dining out creates longer-lasting joy.

Experts Mentioned:
- Bruce Hood, Professor of Developmental Psychology in Society, University of Bristol
- Amit Kuman, Assistant Professor of Marketing, University of Texas Austin

Resources Mentioned:
- The Year of Less by Cait Flanders (2018)
- Possessed, Why We Want More Than We Need by Bruce Hood (2019)
- "Does Economic Growth Improve the Human Lot? Some Empirical Evidence," (Nations and Households in Economic Growth, 1974)
- Diderot Effect

Related episodes of "The Happiness Lab":
- "The Unhappy Millionaire"
- "Let Slip the Dogs of More Happiness"
- "Nerd Out! The Happiness of Being a Fan"
- "Move to Your Happy Place"
- "Sight and Sound: How to Joyfully Awaken Your Senses"
- "Smell, Taste, and Touch: How to Joyfully Awaken Your Senses"
- "Can Spiritual Experiences and Psychedlics Make Us Happy? (Live from Boston)"
- "How to Lead the Richest Life Possible "

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