[TeMPOraL]

> the underlying assumption that having more experiences (outside of work) leads to more happiness I believe to be somewhat false.

I have this feeling too.

Or, should I say, maybe the concept is right in theory - the brain is better at remembering novelty, and events associated with strong emotions. But "buy experiences, not things" is something that has a meme status today, and I cynically suspect it's not accidental - that there is an ulterior motive to it.

"Buying things" is predominantly realized through buying products. "Buying experiences" is predominantly realized through buying services. You can derive value from a product you own indefinitely (at some point it'll wear down). But a service is a one-time deal, you have to spend again to get more. The mindset of "buying experiences" thus encourages a service economy and creates a recurring revenue stream for service providers.