“At first happiness might seem like just desserts for biological fitness (more accurately, the states that would have led to fitness in the environment in which we evolved). We are happier when we are healthy, well-fed, comfortable, safe, prosperous, knowledgeable, respected, non-celibate, and loved. Compared to their opposites, these objects of striving are conducive to reproduction. The function of happiness would be to mobilize the mind to seek the keys to Darwinian fitness. When we are unhappy, we work for the things that make us happy; when we are happy, we keep the status quo. The problem is, how much fitness is worth striving for?”

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About Steven Pinker

Canadian cognitive psychologist and linguist, best known for his accessible explorations of human nature and the rational foundations of morality. His work bridges psychology, evolutionary biology, and philosophy, offering insights into language, violence, and progress.

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"At first happiness might seem like just desserts for biological fitne…" — Steven Pinker | Daily Quotes