> Don't derive purpose from chasing more because you'll always adjust to whatever you attain.

I'd rephrase this, or at least maybe this is what the intent was: it's not that bad to derive purpose from chasing more but it's probably bad to derive purpose from attaining. There's nothing wrong with being ambitious as long as the journey is how you derive purpose.

Also: chasing less has the same effect

Yes, that's exactly it.

Hah, slightly off topic, but I was there from 09-10 and remember that same journey from MCBH -> Manas -> Leatherneck -> COP -> Patrol Base.

I honestly think Leatherneck may have been the worst out of that experience. Some of the best times were having nothing on a PB for 10+ months (we were there for an extended period).

No sure why you’re getting downvoted, this makes sense. Humans are incredibly good at adapting to environments. From your perspective, it sounds like a change of pace kept things interesting.

You should write a book about that mental experience. I would read it

There's obviously quite a bit of complexity here. Huge difference between being terminally ill and getting used to some bad conditions for a finite period.

What do you tell to the chronically ill?

Not to worry, the hedonic treadmill means they'll be just as happy as everyone else! (right?)

No, according to the hedonic treadmill theory, people in general have a tendency to return to their own previous happiness level. The hedonic threadmill doesn't say anyting about comparing happiness levels across individuals.

So how should we treat chronically ill people? As I have some in my circles, and would actually appreciate insight.

Exactly, so if you're well, but then you contract a chronic illness, one that leaves you in constant pain, you'll eventually "return to your own previous happiness level" right? So no big deal?

Set aside the hedonic treadmill for a minute. Let's suppose it's bullshit.

What remains in your opinion? What do you tell to a chronically ill person?

> -> combat outpost: holy shit this sucks! How am I gonna do 7 months of this?!

> I did. Got used to it. Was actually kind of fun after awhile.

Huge yikes. I can understand adapting to the circumstances, but the concept of combat deployment becoming fun is highly alarming to me. My most charitable interpretation—that your sense of fun was derived from camaraderie during downtime under difficult circumstances, not from actual combat action or from thrill-seeking in a defensive position—the most minimal yikes I can muster is “I would never wish to watch MASH on fast forward this way”.

> your sense of fun was derived from camaraderie during downtime under difficult circumstances, not from actual combat action

Correct. I saw none. :)

I’m not surprised this is being downvoted, but I’d appreciate someone actually leaving a comment in case there’s something I’m not understanding about how seven months of combat deployment can be fun that isn’t some combination of monstrous/traumatic.

Your mistake was to take the word "fun" literally.

What he meant was some "possibly enjoyable" state which was different from the "bored comfortable tedium" into which he had settled in.

We all have had similar experiences. When you have too much of the same routine however comfortable, your mind craves some "new" stimulus which will break the tedium.