Feeling good Quote by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
““Another force motivates us, and it is more primitive and more powerful than the urge to create: the force of entropy. This too is a survival mechanism built into our genes by evolution. It gives us pleasure when we are comfortable, when we relax, when we can get away with feeling good without expending energy.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience, 1990
The quote describes a primal drive for comfort and low effort, which can be as compelling as creative urges, rooted in evolutionary survival mechanisms.
In simple terms: We are drawn to effortless comfort as a survival instinct.
Key Takeaway
Recognize when comfort replaces growth.
Themes
motivation
comfort
energy conservation
evolutionary biology
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
philosophical
psychological
When to use this quote
- relaxation
- rest periods
- mindful breaks
- energy management
- creative work
Key Concepts
entropy
survival mechanism
pleasure response
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you seek comfort at the cost of growth?
- How can you balance relaxation with productive effort?
A Different Perspective
Comfort can lead to complacency and hinder progress.
