Men Talking Mindfulness

Author Michael E. Long: "The Molecule of More" (How Dopamine rules our lives)

Aug 14, 2023
Join Michael E. Long, an adjunct professor at Georgetown and co-author of "The Molecule of More," as he unravels the powerful influence of dopamine on our lives. Discover how dopamine drives desires, creativity, and relationships, from the highs of romantic infatuation to the complexities of addiction. Michael shares insights on mental health, decision-making, and how understanding dopamine can lead to healthier choices and deeper connections. Dive into the science of what motivates us and how it shapes society!
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INSIGHT

Dopamine Drives Desire For More

  • Dopamine drives desire for more, not satisfaction with what we have.
  • It fuels our drive for progress, always pushing us toward the next goal.
INSIGHT

Anticipatory Pleasure vs Consumed Pleasure

  • Dopamine fuels anticipatory pleasure, the intense desire for novelty.
  • Consumed pleasure in the present is less intense than the thrill of anticipation.
ANECDOTE

Amazon Package and Dopamine

  • The dopamine-driven excitement fades when rewards become expected or routine.
  • Michael E. Long uses the example of the regular Amazon package delivery to illustrate reward prediction error.
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