Summary of Daniel Z. Lieberman MD and Michael E. Long's The Molecule of More

By IRB Media

Get the Summary of Daniel Z. Lieberman MD and Michael E. Long's The Molecule of More in 20 minutes.

Please note: This is a summary & not the original book.

Original book introduction: The answer is found in a single chemical in your brain: dopamine. Dopamine ensured the survival of early man. Thousands of years later, it is the source of our most basic behaviors and cultural ideas-and progress itself.

Dopamine is the chemical of desire that always asks for more-more stuff, more stimulation, and more surprises. In pursuit of these things, it is undeterred by emotion, fear, or morality. Dopamine is the source of our every urge, that little bit of biology that makes an ambitious business professional sacrifice everything in pursuit of success, or that drives a satisfied spouse to risk it all for the thrill of someone new. Simply put, it is why we seek and succeed; it is why we discover and prosper. Yet, at the same time, it's why we gamble and squander.

• Language: English
• Publisher: IRB Media
• Release date: Jan 21, 2021
• ISBN: 9781952482434

IRB Media

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Insights from Introduction

#1

Our brain is governed by several chemicals: the down chemicals, which allow us to either enjoy the present or to resist it, and the up chemicals, which give us the desire to pursue new things. They reward us when we fulfill that desire and punish us when we do not.

#2

One of the up chemicals is known as dopamine. It is a chemical in our brain that gives us pleasure and helps us learn. It motivates us to seek out new things. It is why we explore. It is the molecule of more.

#3

Science can be messy and contradictory, especially when it comes to the brain. The brain is very complex, and scientists do not fully understand how it works yet, even after years of experimentation and research.

Insights from Chapter 1

#1

Dopamine is often associated with feelings of pleasure. However, recent studies have shown that it has a much more powerful effect on behavior, enabling humans to create art, pursue success, make new discoveries, express spirituality, and fall in love.

#2