Books The Comfort Crisis  by Michael Easter (Author)

"The Comfort Crisis" by Michael Easter explores how modern society's addiction to comfort—through technology, convenience, and sedentary lifestyles—has led to physical and mental health problems. Easter argues that humans have evolutionarily thrived on challenge and adversity, but today's sheltered, overfed, and under-challenged existence fosters boredom, anxiety, and a diminished capacity for resilience.

The book follows Easter's journey through a 33-day caribou hunt in the harsh Alaskan wilderness, practicing "misogi," an ancient Japanese ritual of personal challenge. This experience, along with insights from experts and cultural studies (including Bhutan's approach to happiness), illustrates the transformative power of embracing discomfort. Easter highlights the science of "hormesis," where mild stress can boost health and longevity.