The AtlanticThe Atlantic

How to get the most happiness from your social life

By Arthur C. Brooks

24 Aug 2023 · 6 min read

informed Summary

  1. Diversity is beneficial for both society and individuals, with research showing that connections between different groups of people enhance peace, prosperity, and social progress, writes The Atlantic's Arthur C. Brooks. However, humans have a strong "homophily bias," preferring to associate with people similar to themselves.

Did you miss Diversity Day a few months back? It falls each year on May 21, and is formally designated by the United Nations as “World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development.” Personally, I always celebrate the day. I have a cake, and sometimes even a party.

Admittedly, that date also happens to be my birthday. And in truth, I am not sure I’d mark the day with festivities if it weren’t my birthday: Do we really need the UN to urge us to go out and celebrate diversity? Few people could disagree with the value of diversity, but somehow, the bureaucratic hectoring makes it seem a bit spinach-y: good for us but not very enjoyable. A better way to think about diversity, in my view, is how it can make us happier every day.

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