Axiomempiricalv1

Humans discount future rewards hyperbolically, with value

Humans discount future rewards hyperbolically, with value dropping steeply in the near term and flattening further out.

Why This Is an Axiom

This is hyperbolic discounting from Ainslie's research — a well-documented empirical pattern in intertemporal choice. It explains why immediate rewards are disproportionately powerful for habit formation. Foundational empirical claim about temporal valuation.

Source Lessons

L-1030

Reward timing is critical

Rewards that come immediately after the routine are most effective for habit formation.

L-1009

Reward immediately

The brain learns from immediate rewards not delayed ones — add instant gratification.

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