Air Conditioning

Not too long ago, 99% Invisible devoted a show to the American adoption of air conditioning in the 20th century. It had a lot of repercussions, one of which is that windows were sealed, and indoor temperatures governed to a narrow range.

It turns out that researchers have discovered that people overwhelmingly preferred autonomy and a wider range of variation than the air conditioning could give. Air conditioning took away that autonomy and variation.

On a hot and humid summer day, you’re probably glad if you have air conditioning. I certainly appreciate it. But it’s worth remembering across your life: two things we need to reach our peak are autonomy and variation. Any time we lock things down too tightly – even with a worthwhile goal – we remove those two needs. Make sure you’re not being an air conditioner to your class, to your music, to your life.