Richard and Eric examine the prevalent human adaptive process called "hedonic adaptation" and its relevance to not only our daily life, but more specifically: choral conducting.  What is the hedonic treadmill, and once we understand what it is, is there a way to get off?  There must be something more and deeper than just this "pursuit of happiness" thing.

Frederick, S. and Loewenstein, G. (1999). Hedonic Adaptation. Wellbeing, The Foundations of Hedonic Psychology. New York: Russel Sage Foundation.
Lyubomirsky, S. (2010). Hedonic Adaptation to Positive and Negative Experiences. THe Oxford Handbook of Stress, Health, and Coping. Oxford University Press.