The hedonic treadmill describes the process where we all eventually adapt to a pleasurable event like winning the lottery. Over time, the pleasure we get from it will decrease.
With two exceptions.
“Studies have found that we never really get used to loud noises, despite prolonged exposure” so we continue to be irritated by loud noises because we simply cannot adapt to them.
And…
“Women who get breast implants never tire of the enjoyment it brings them.”
From Eric Weiner’s book The Geography of Bliss: One Grump’s Search For The Happiest Places In The World. ISBN 978-0-446-69889-4.
