The Sweet Spot: Why there’s more to human suffering than merely ‘no pain, no gain’

Psychologist Paul Bloom explores the reasons why we sometimes seek out unpleasant experiences

In his book The Sweet Spot: Suffering, Pleasure and the Key to a Good Life, psychologist Paul Bloom looks at how activities such as mountain climbing can be a painful experience, but also rich in social bonding. Picture: Getty

PSYCHOLOGY

The Sweet Spot: Suffering, Pleasure and the Key to a Good Life

By Paul Bloom

Vintage, €20.25

Now that we’re into a new year, many people are renouncing self-indulgence and subjecting themselves to new regimes verging on the masochistic. Perhaps you will start taking ice baths, go on a severe diet or risk losing consciousness during a clammy hot yoga class.

But why do we sometimes seek out unpleasant experiences? Psychologist Paul Bloom’s wide-ranging ...