[One Thousand Characters a Day] Professor Seo Eunguk's 'Where Does Happiness Come From?' <3>

Editor's NoteProfessor Seo Eun-guk of Yonsei University, who has conducted scientific research on happiness for 30 years, reached two major conclusions. First, happiness is not largely determined by objective life conditions. Second, what decisively influences individual differences in happiness is the genetic traits one inherits, more specifically, the personality trait of extraversion. Extroverted people enjoy being with others, have the knack for making others like them, and feel happier. A fundamental explanation for why these results appear is still lacking in academia. However, from an evolutionary perspective, Professor Seo explains that prosocial behavior was an effective means to enhance human survival by obtaining necessary resources. Word count: 830 characters.

Then why do introverted people not socialize as much as extroverted people? The reason is simple. It’s not because they dislike it, but because it’s uncomfortable. Human interaction is a double-edged sword. People are a source of joy, but sometimes they can be the greatest source of stress. Like a sister-in-law. That’s why after seeing only your boss at work for a long time, you long for a vacation.

Introverted people experience this social stress more sensitively and from more people. So it may seem like they are stepping back from others. But that is different from disliking people.

Here’s an analogy. Whether extroverted or introverted, the mountain they want to climb is the same: the summit where people gather happily. The difference between the two is how heavy a load they carry while climbing. The extrovert’s bag is light, but the introvert’s bag is heavy with awkwardness, stress, and fear. That’s why many turn back around mid-way. In the end, more extroverted people gather at the summit, but it’s not because introverted people prefer the sea over the mountain.

From the perspective of happiness, this “light load” is a great genetic advantage that extroverted people are born with. Genes do not know the word fairness. However, even if the load is heavy, one must muster the strength to climb. When meeting new people, two possibilities coexist: awkwardness versus joy. According to recent research, we tend to underestimate the joy that new encounters bring. So we choose to date an old lover, but actual experience shows that the joy after dining with a stranger of the opposite sex is greater. Therefore, introverted people, you need to overcome awkwardness and meet new people as well.

- Seo Eun-guk, The Origin of Happiness, 21st Century Books, 18,000 KRW