in pursuit of happiness: we fear loss more than we value gain

<on the way up to the peak of Mount Elbrus>

people prefer avoiding losses to making gains. this is behavior is known as loss aversion.

studies have shown that losing $100 costs you twice the amount of happiness than the happiness you would feel if you won $100 in a lottery - the fear of losing $100 motivates people more than the prospect of gaining $100.

mountain climbers don't seem to be affected by loss aversion. in fact, they are attracted to the risks of climbing dangerous peaks. #bcc

"There is probably no pleasure equal to the pleasure of climbing a dangerous Alp; but it is a pleasure which is confined strictly to people who can find pleasure in it" - from A Tramp Abroad, a travel literature by author Mark Twain, published in 1880.

#happiness #life