Why neuroscience is proving what tradition always knew: effort, restraint, and character expand pleasure, not shrink it.

Yesterday over tea, I was graced by a visit by friends celebrating their 28th wedding anniversary. We sat in my kitchen drinking tea. It was a spontaneous visit that left me feeling love, warmth, and connected to the world.

They were raised with the same "Yankee" values I was—the kind of old money wisdom that values moderation and good character over flash and excess...