7th Commandment: Do not commit adultery

Does monogamy actually make us happier? Of course marriage has many societal benefits, but at first glance, it isn’t clear that, on an individual level, limiting sexual expression to just one person makes people qualitatively more happy. In this episode, we look into the 7th Commandment, "lo tin'af,” “do not commit adultery,” and learn how to overcome the "paradox of choice" - by limiting our choices we can actually achieve greater satisfaction and happiness.

Big Ideas

1. Committing to a relationship allows you to invest in it and develop a more meaningful, potentially life-long connection. 
2. Commitment requires trust, hard-work, loyalty, and sacrifice. 
3. Having an abundance of choice can negatively impact a person’s ability to be happy.

Essential Questions

1. When faced with an abundance of choices, how can individuals effectively navigate difficult decisions and evaluate the accuracy of their choices to ensure they have made the right decision?
2. How might limiting yourself to one partner qualitatively impact your happiness?
3. In what ways does long-term commitment enhance a relationship?

video Transcript