2006-09-08 05:25:40 · 23 answers · asked by Marie L 1 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
Because we are greedy individuals who want what others have, until we can learn to be happy with our lot then it will always be greener on the other side, even when you have just crossed over.
2006-09-10 01:51:37 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A broad view , bird's eye view, casual glance, at material things tends to make a human feel that grass is greener on the other side, and also, when just looking at things (not closely), persuades the mind to expect more benefits . Even "conditions" in 'conditions apply' are given in fine print by commercial people to avoid innocent consumers really reading it(requiring close look), and at the same time ensuring that they do not get 'trapped' in law-compliance !
2006-09-08 13:05:50 · answer #2 · answered by Spiritualseeker 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's human nature to want what we don't have. The grass will always be greener on the other side.
2006-09-08 12:31:21 · answer #3 · answered by Dr. H 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's in our nature. We are not only able to wonder, we have the mental tools to explore in an effort to satisfy our wonder (curiosity) We aren't the only animals to have the capability, but no others have has much capacity.
These qualities, then CAUSE us to imagine that there may be advantages to BE elsewhere or BE someone else.
Q: "IS the grass greener?"
A: "It COULD be and I won't believe it is not until I find out for myself!"
There is even a "Murphy's Law" that describes part of this phenomenon.
"An optimist believes this is the best of all possible worlds.
A pessimist is afraid this is true."
2006-09-08 12:55:27 · answer #4 · answered by Vince M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Seems to me that the grass appears greener when you're on the other side because the view is distorted by distance to what you want because somebody else already has it. Once you're on their side the grass doesn't seem so green after all. Should've stayed on your side now shouldn't you?
2006-09-08 12:36:38 · answer #5 · answered by MzzandtheChuchuBees 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What a sweeping generalisation!
It is in the human nature to strive for the best and looking ahead is the best way to do that. Contentment is possible though and once acceptance is learned, life gets easier.
In places I have had crap times but I have had good times in and among too. I would not be having the good times now if I had not gone through the rest to get here.
2006-09-09 13:56:54 · answer #6 · answered by Amanda K 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not just humans - haven't you noticed the roadkill lately? Here in Georgia a bunch of deer, squirrels, cats, dogs, and other unrecognizable 'things' thought the grass was greener!
2006-09-08 12:31:53 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Because people are selfish by nature and are very seldom truely happy with what they have even though it's a good thing and worth holding on to. They always think they are missing something better and climb over the fence just to make sure. Most of the time they are VERY wrong in thinking that though.
2006-09-08 12:32:13 · answer #8 · answered by paigenstuff 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because they don't really know what's on that other side. actually, the grass is NEVER greener nowhere, it's just a perception, very far from reality.
now, try to explain that to a person whose mind is completely stuck on that "other side", completely deaf to common sense and unwilling to even THINK.
2006-09-08 12:48:14 · answer #9 · answered by rayhanna 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Because human beings are essentially optimists, and lacking the experience of the "other side", they assume it is better. The desire to experience is built into the system, and if coupled with this desire was not optimism [or hope] who would continue to seek after a dozen swats in the nose?
2006-09-08 12:33:19 · answer #10 · answered by docjp 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋