Michael Easter

The Comfort Crisis

1. IDEA 1

   Too much comfort can harm us

   Easter argues that modern life has become so comfortable, with climate control, constant food and endless entertainment, that it may be harming our health and happiness. Humans evolved facing challenge, and some discomfort may be good for us.

2. IDEA 2

   A remote journey tested him

   Easter describes joining a month-long hunting trip in the Alaskan Arctic, facing cold, hunger and isolation. The experience taught him lessons about discomfort. Easter says the trip showed him how little hardship most modern lives contain, and what we may lose by avoiding it.

3. IDEA 3

   Take on a hard challenge

   Easter describes misogi, the idea of taking on a very difficult challenge once a year, with a real chance of failure. Such challenges build resilience. The point is to stretch yourself far beyond what feels easy, and to learn from the effort.

All 8 ideas from The Comfort Crisis →