What makes it so difficult for us to agree with the results of the research on pro-social spending that was presented in the lesson?

Our ego makes us prioritize personal gain over giving, so we resist research showing pro-social spending brings more happiness. We overlook our natural interconnection, where others’ joy boosts our own well-being. Embracing selflessness aligns us with science and transforms connections.

It all stems from our egoism.

It is difficult for us to agree with the results of the research because we often find ourselves placing our needs and wants before others. This mindset is driven by our egos and leads to misconceptions about what truly affects our well-being.  Interestingly, science has proven that our brain is wired to feel good through generosity towards others more than personal gain. Embracing a more selfless perspective is transformative for our connections and society.

Well, first of all we live in world that is focused on individualism and self-centerdness, and success is often measured by what we own. In some circles, it would be considered a sign of weakness to share one’s wealth with others because it would diminish the abundance that is measured as one’s worth.

And then one might wonder who would be worthy of being on the receiving end of the spending: as Zied said in a previous comment, it would not bring happiness to give the money to a thief but the same applies to difficult family members or greedy friends with whom you might feel obligated to share your extra money but that would not bring you much joy. So the amount of happiness depends on many factors that may not have been considered in the research, thus making it difficult to accept the results at face value.

Our ego makes focus on the will to receive, its the system’s programming, and it’s not our fault. However, we  an overcome these impure forces and turn the will to receive into a will to bestow, for which a change in our desires to the opposite of what we feel here, if we disagree with this research, is a part of.

egoism…..