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This seems like pointless cynicism by way of semantics.

I think utility - as a term - carries more baggage in this context. People tend to easily come up with reasons they could hold on to something. Most things could be useful for one reason or another, but the problem is that, realistically, you've vanishingly likely to actually do something with it.

Joy might describe a situation where the utility meets its need, where it's value to you is especially high. In other words, I think 'joy' was a deliberate and informed choice.

Finally, I'm not at all sold on 'utility' having poor marketability. Maybe not great, but it speaks well to the value-optimizer and many people that are interested in self-help sorts of subjects.



I feel the same way about "spark joy" or the more direct translation of "heart throbbing". I rarely assign that emotion to tools or non-sentimental items which I need in daily life. Some things you use to perform quotidian or even tiresome activities like a rake, a snow shovel, laundry detergent, clothes for going to work, etc.




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