HAPPINESS USING THE MATING FILTER
“happiness comes from being true to your biological reproductive self.”
The Lesson
Hypothesis: happiness comes when you're compatible with the mating instinct, directly or by proxy. Having children, dating, adopting, caring for stepkids. All directly compatible. But also fitness, diet, gathering resources, learning, acquiring things, showing off. These all support mating indirectly. Even watching sad movies that aren't real can make you cry. Similarly, proxy activities for mating can make you happy. The filter: for any decision, ask 'how does this relate to the mating instinct?' Diet and fitness done right make you attractive. They are compatible with biology. Happiness follows. This explains power, ambition, marketing, and clothing choices. Works for 90% of people regardless of whether they can literally reproduce.
Real-World Example
A founder feels unfulfilled despite business success. They apply the mating filter: they've been neglecting fitness (less attractive), eating poorly (unhealthy for reproduction), and working so much they have no social life (no mating opportunities). They rebalance: gym three times a week, better diet, making time for dating. Nothing about their business changed, but aligning with biological drives dramatically improves their happiness.
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