The Paradox of Choice

We tend to assume that more choice always leads to greater freedom.

我們往往認為，選擇越多，自由就越大。

Yet psychologists have found that an abundance of options can be surprisingly stressful.

然而，心理學家發現，選項過多可能會帶來出乎意料的壓力。

When faced with dozens of similar products, many shoppers simply walk away.

面對幾十種相似的產品，許多顧客乾脆轉身離開。

Those who do decide often feel less satisfied with what they have chosen.

那些做出決定的人，往往對自己的選擇不那麼滿意。

They keep wondering whether one of the alternatives would have been better.

他們會一直想，其他選項當中是不是有哪個會更好。

This lingering doubt is sometimes described as the fear of missing out.

這種揮之不去的疑慮有時被稱為害怕錯過。

Interestingly, people who settle for something good enough tend to be happier.

有趣的是，滿足於夠好的東西的人往往更快樂。

Constantly searching for the perfect option can be exhausting and counterproductive.

不斷尋找完美的選項，既讓人筋疲力盡，又適得其反。

Limiting our choices deliberately may therefore be a surprisingly effective strategy.

因此，刻意限制自己的選擇，可能是一種出乎意料的有效策略。