Comfort, Pleasure, and Boredom: An Analysis of the Economy of Satisfaction

This article provides a thorough analysis of Tibor Scitovsky's economic thought, focusing on the fundamental distinction between comfort and pleasure. The author challenges the classical model of homo oeconomicus, arguing that the pursuit of constant comfort and stable homeostasis paradoxically leads to boredom and a decline in authentic satisfaction. The text explores psychophysiological mechanisms, such as optimal arousal levels and hedonic contrast, pointing to the crucial role of "skilled consumption" in building well-being. In the era of an economy of excess, this analysis becomes essential to understanding the Easterlin paradox and the hidden costs of modern convenience, which, without adequate cultural and intellectual stimulation, turns into apathy.