How money influences our life choices
Plus, how to have better conversations
BRAIN WAVES
More money, please. More money doesn’t always mean more happiness, but we sometimes make big life decisions guided by that idea. Researchers wanted to unpack this behavior, so they ran an experiment where they first asked people how much a 20% raise would boost their life satisfaction. Then they presented some of those participants with evidence to the contrary: a synthesis of research that finds a 20% income increase boosts life satisfaction by only about one point on a 0–100 scale. The study found that people wildly overestimate the happiness boost from more income, especially for themselves. But once presented with evidence about how much happier money actually makes us, they dialed back their beliefs. They also became less likely to choose a higher-paying job option when it came with trade-offs like longer hours, worse commutes, or less sleep. The bottom line? We’re not great at predicting what will make us happy, and we tend to overestimate how happy money will make us when we make big decisions.
Talk to me. We’ve talked on the show about the power of meaningful conversations, but how do we get a little more comfortable going beyond everyday chit-chat? Over at Time magazine, a handful of researchers (and former Hidden Brain guests) weigh in on the “how-to”s of having more meaningful conversations. One tip? “Meaningful conversations usually require a small leap of faith—a small moment of courage,” said Alison Wood Brooks. “Someone has to go first.” Most people want to connect more than they let on, but they’re not sure if the feeling is mutual. Be the one to make the first move. But also, meaningful conversations remain a balancing act: resist the urge to go too deep too fast, because it can backfire. “It’s a little scary to ask about too much, too quick,” said Arthur Aron. Read the full story here.
Do you know who I am? You’re not the same person with your friends as you are with your co-workers or your kids. So who are you, really? Listen to learn more.
ON THE HIDDEN BRAIN PODCAST
Changing Our Mental Maps: As we move through the world, it’s easy to imagine we’re processing everything that happens around us and then deciding how to respond. But psychologist and neuroscientist Norman Farb says our brains actually navigate the world by coming up with mental maps. These maps act like an autopilot system, allowing us to navigate our lives more efficiently. But sometimes, they can lead us astray, leaving us stuck on a path of negativity and unhappiness. This week, in a favorite episode from 2024, we talk with Norman Farb about how we can update our internal maps and see the world more clearly. Then, Dave Evans answers your questions about radical acceptance.
ON THE MY UNSUNG HERO PODCAST
Solitaire Miles’ Story: When Solitaire was 18, she suffered a stroke. At the hospital, medical staff accused her of being intoxicated. Then her high school principal arrived — a nun named Sister Maura Smith.
Don’t forget to send us the story of your unsung hero! Record a voice memo on your phone and email it to myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org.
MIND GAMES
A dad is 42 years old, and his son is 6. So, in how many years will the father’s age be four times his son’s age?
LAST WEEK’S PUZZLE
Two people have $100 in total. One has $40 more than the other. How much does each have?
The answer: $30 and $70
MOMENT OF JOY
The World Cup is coming to an end—time to tune into the World Pup.
Have an idea for Hidden Brain? A story you want to share with us? Send an email to ideas@hiddenbrain.org. Listen to us on Spotify, Apple, Amazon Music or your favorite podcast platform.