The concept of “more is better” is deeply ingrained in our society. But there’s a strange paradox that arises when we have too much of something – it can often feel like less.

This paradox, known as ‘the paradox of plenty’, is a fascinating phenomenon that philosophers have been exploring for centuries. It’s about the sense of dissatisfaction and overwhelm that can come from having too many choices, too much abundance.

In this piece, we’re going to delve into seven philosophical perspectives on this intriguing paradox. We’ll explore why abundance can sometimes leave us feeling empty, and why less can sometimes feel like more.

Welcome to the journey into “The paradox of plenty: 9 philosophical views on why more can feel like less”. Hope you find some answers, or at least some interesting questions to ponder.

1) The paradox of choice

American psychologist Barry Schwartz coined the term ‘paradox of choice’ in his 2004 book of the same name. He argues that while some choice is undoubtedly better than none, more is not always better than less.

Think about it. Ever been to a restaurant with a ten-page menu and found yourself overwhelmed, unable to decide what to order? That’s the paradox of choice in action.

Schwartz suggests that when we’re faced with too many options, we can often end up feeling stressed, anxious and even paralyzed by indecision. The mental load of having to make a decision can sometimes be too much to bear.

This is why, in a world of plenty, less can sometimes feel like more. By limiting our choices, we can reduce our anxiety and make decisions more easily.

So next time you’re feeling overwhelmed by abundance, remember Schwartz’s paradox of choice. Maybe less really is more.

2) Analysis paralysis

This is another philosophical view on why more can feel like less, and it’s one that has personally resonated with me.

I recall a time when I was buying a new laptop. The market was flooded with options, each one boasting different specifications, features and price points. The more I researched, the more options I discovered, and the harder my decision became.

This is what’s known as ‘analysis paralysis’. It’s the state of over-analyzing or over-thinking a situation to the point where a decision or action is never taken. And it’s something that can happen when we’re faced with too many choices.

In my case, the abundance of choices led to an inability to decide which laptop was best for me. The more options I had, the less certain I felt about my final decision.

So remember: while it might seem counterintuitive, sometimes having fewer choices can actually make us feel more empowered and decisive.

3) The law of diminishing returns

This is a principle in economics, but it applies in our everyday lives as well. The law of diminishing returns suggests that as we continue to add more of something, the benefits or satisfaction we derive from each additional unit start to decrease.

Consider this: eating one slice of your favorite pizza might be absolutely delightful, but by the time you’re on your sixth or seventh slice, each piece probably doesn’t taste as fantastic as the first one did. You’ve reached a point of saturation where more doesn’t necessarily mean better.

This is a clear example of why more can sometimes feel like less. When we have too much of a good thing, our enjoyment or satisfaction can actually start to diminish. The value of ‘more’ starts to decrease and ‘less’ starts to feel like ‘more’.

4) The hedonic treadmill

Also known as hedonic adaptation, this psychological phenomenon refers to our tendency to return to a relatively stable level of happiness, regardless of positive or negative events in our lives.

It’s like being on a treadmill – you might be running but you’re staying in the same place. You acquire more, achieve more, but your happiness doesn’t increase proportionately.

For instance, you might feel elated when you buy a new car or move into a bigger house. But after some time, these things become the new normal and your level of satisfaction dips back to where it was before.

So while it might seem that having more would lead to more happiness, the hedonic treadmill suggests otherwise. It’s another reason why more can sometimes feel like less – because our happiness levels have a tendency to reset, no matter how much we accumulate.

5) Decision fatigue

Ever spent an entire day making important decisions, only to feel mentally exhausted by the end of it? That’s decision fatigue.

The more choices we’re faced with, the more decisions we have to make. And each decision, no matter how small, uses up a bit of our mental energy. Over time, this can lead to decision fatigue, where our ability to make good choices deteriorates.

For instance, after a long day of shopping and making choices – this shirt or that one, these shoes or those – you might end up making impulsive purchases or even regretting some of your earlier decisions.

So while it might seem like having more options gives us more freedom, the reality is that it often leaves us feeling depleted and unsatisfied. This is yet another way in which more can sometimes feel like less.

6) The pursuit of authenticity

In a world where more often means better, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters to us. We chase after more possessions, more money, more success – but at what cost?

Many philosophers argue that in the relentless pursuit of ‘more’, we risk losing our authenticity. We become so focused on accumulating that we forget to appreciate what we already have.

This is why sometimes, having less can actually feel like more. When we strip away the excess, we’re left with the things – and the people – that truly add value to our lives.

In choosing less, we’re not settling for mediocrity. Instead, we’re making a conscious choice to focus on quality over quantity, depth over breadth. And in doing so, we often find that less really is more.

7) The illusion of control

I used to believe that having more options meant having more control. But over time, I’ve come to realize that this isn’t always the case.

Once, I took on multiple projects at work, thinking that juggling different responsibilities would give me more control over my career trajectory. But instead of feeling empowered, I felt overwhelmed and scattered.

This is where the illusion of control comes into play. It’s the belief that having more choices or more responsibilities gives us greater control over our lives. But often, it just leads to stress and burnout.

Instead of enhancing our lives, an excess of choices can make us feel like we’re spiraling out of control. It’s a powerful reminder that sometimes, less really can be more.

8) The simplicity movement

In recent years, there’s been a growing trend towards minimalism and simplicity. People are increasingly realizing that more can indeed feel like less, and they’re actively choosing to live with fewer possessions and commitments.

This ‘simplicity movement’ is all about conscious consumption and intentional living. It’s about choosing quality over quantity and focusing on what truly adds value to our lives.

Minimalists argue that by reducing our possessions and commitments, we can reduce stress, increase focus, and lead more meaningful lives.

So while society often equates more with success, the simplicity movement challenges this notion. It’s a compelling example of how less can often feel like more.

9) The power of contentment

At the heart of the paradox of plenty lies a simple truth – contentment cannot be found in the pursuit of more. True satisfaction doesn’t come from having more options, more possessions, or more success. Instead, it comes from appreciating what we already have, and recognizing that we already have enough.

This is not about settling for less, but about realizing the value in what we have. It’s about understanding that adding more to our lives doesn’t necessarily enhance our happiness or fulfillment.

The power of contentment reminds us that sometimes, less truly can feel like more. And that’s perhaps the most important lesson we can take away from the paradox of plenty.

Final thoughts: The beauty of less

Navigating through life’s paradoxes, particularly the paradox of plenty, is a fascinating journey. It challenges our societal norms and encourages us to question whether more is always better.

The philosophical views we’ve explored suggest that less can often feel like more. Whether it’s the paradox of choice, the law of diminishing returns, or the power of contentment, each perspective offers a unique insight into why abundance can sometimes leave us feeling empty.

As we go about our lives, surrounded by an ever-increasing array of choices and opportunities, it’s worth pausing to reflect on these insights. Perhaps there’s a sense of freedom and satisfaction to be found not in having more, but in appreciating what we already have.

So next time you find yourself chasing after more – more possessions, more options, more success – remember the paradox of plenty. Maybe less really is more. And in that simplicity, you might just find a profound sense of contentment and fulfillment.