According to Dan Gilbert, a well-known psychologist, we often make decisions that our future selves regret due to the "end of history illusion." This concept refers to our tendency to believe that the person we are right now is the final version of ourselves, failing to anticipate the changes in preferences, values, and goals that our future selves may have.
The end of history illusion leads us to make choices based on our current desires and preferences, without fully considering how these might evolve over time. For example, someone might make a career choice based on their current interests without considering that their passions could change in the future, leading to regret.
By understanding and recognizing the end of history illusion, we can make more informed decisions that take into account the potential changes in our future selves. It highlights the importance of considering long-term consequences and being open to the idea that our preferences and values may evolve over time.
