American writer and journalist Stephen J. Dubner is most known for co-writing the well-known "Freakonomics" book series with economist Steven D. Levitt. He mentioned how frequently we overestimate the effects that particular choices or events will have on our lives in one of his writings or interviews.

Dubner suggests that many people believe major life changes will dramatically alter their happiness and overall well-being. In actuality, though, these big changes are rarely as revolutionary as first thought. The metaphor of a river changing its course can be used to illustrate this concept. Major life changes frequently cause us to adapt and adjust until we regain a sense of normalcy, much like how a river may change its course due to natural forces but eventually settles into a new pattern that resembles its old self.

This idea contradicts the widely held belief that drastic actions can significantly enhance our quality of life. It challenges people to think about how much they might be overstating the significance of particular occasions or decisions in light of their long-term implications for their own contentment and happiness. Rather, Dubner's observation emphasizes how human nature is resilient and adaptable, implying that even in the face of significant upheavals, we frequently manage to stabilize and regain equilibrium.

Through his writing, Stephen J. Dubner provides readers with a viewpoint that explains how expectations, rather than reality, can occasionally distort how we perceive life's significant events. His observations serve as a helpful reminder to approach life's obstacles with an open mind regarding their long-term effects.