In a thought-provoking TED talk, British ad man Rory Sutherland makes the case that reframing situations will lead to happiness. He uses this example, which I found especially humorous and I’ve paraphrased:
The electronic cigarette has given me untold happiness. It’s more than the nicotine. Ever since they banned smoking in public places, I haven’t enjoyed a party.
When you’re at a party with a drink in your hand you speak endlessly to different people. Sometimes when you’re at a party you want to be alone with your thoughts, alone in the corner staring out the window.
The problem is, when you can’t smoke, if you’re staring out the window on your own, you look like an anti-social friendless idiot. If you’re staring out the window on your own smoking a cigarette, you’re a f**king philosopher.
