Part 4/7:

The concept of a “hierarchy of fun” plays a pivotal role in this transformation. By categorizing activities based on their stimulating nature, we can consciously choose to eliminate high-stimulation habits that detract from more fulfilling pursuits. The idea is not to avoid enjoyment but to reset our enjoyment baseline. As we diminish distractions, our experience of previously dull activities can become unexpectedly enriching.

Boring tasks can bolster our sense of progress and fulfillment, aligning closely with our long-term goals rather than fleeting pleasures. As the Roman poet Juvenal observed two millennia ago, “Give them bread and circuses and they will never revolt.” In today’s terminology, this translates to “Give them social media and video games, and they will never improve.”