Barry Schwartz, in his book "The Paradox of Choice: Why More Is Less," discusses the relationship between increased control and rising expectations. Over the years, as individuals have gained more agency and autonomy in their lives, their expectations about how much control they should wield have also heightened. This trend suggests that the freedom to make choices comes with the burden of believing we should manage all aspects of our lives effectively.

As we are given more opportunities to dictate our own paths, the pressure to succeed and make the right decisions intensifies. Schwartz argues that while having control can be empowering, it can also lead to anxiety and dissatisfaction when reality doesn't meet our elevated expectations. This paradox illustrates the complex relationship between choice, autonomy, and fulfillment in contemporary life.