Psychologist Rijn Vogelaar Defends Enthusiasm as Essential Human Emotion

Psychologist and market researcher Rijn Vogelaar is set to receive his PhD from Leiden University for his dissertation on enthusiasm, an emotion he argues is misunderstood and undervalued. Vogelaar’s interest began during his career when he noticed that highly satisfied clients, or 'super promoters,' were overlooked in traditional market research. This insight led to his bestselling book, 'De Superpromoter,' and eventually to academic study aiming to distinguish enthusiasm from similar emotions like hope and joy. Using the historical example of Archimedes’ 'Eureka' moment, Vogelaar defines enthusiasm as the urgent desire to share a discovery. He highlights that while enthusiasm is a key indicator of mental health and vitality, it is energy-intensive. Consequently, forced or fake enthusiasm, often seen in management and education, leads to exhaustion and burnout rather than inspiration. Vogelaar warns against the temporary boosts promoted by positivity gurus, advocating instead for identifying natural sources of passion. He suggests that enthusiasm acts as a 'canary in the coal mine' for well-being, sitting between lethargy and hyperactivity. The article explores how digital overload and pressure contribute to modern listlessness, emphasizing the need for authentic engagement to maintain psychological health.