“The molecule of more” by Daniel Lieberman & Michael Long

The author 🖋

Dr. Daniel Z. Lieberman is the SVP of mental health at Hims & Hers Health and a clinical professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at George Washington University with over 50 peer-reviewed scientific papers.

Michael E. Long is a physicist turned award-winning speechwriter and screenwriter who currently serves as a professor at Georgetown University and teaches writing that makes complex scientific concepts accessible to a broad audience.

Key takeaways 🎓

1. The reason we want more

Dopamine is often misunderstood as a driver for pleasure.

In reality, it’s the “chemical of anticipation” and the reason behind our endless pursuit of more (whether it's more success, more possessions, more love or more thrill).

The authors explore how this anticipation of rewards influences our behavior in various aspects of life, leading to both positive and negative outcomes.

2. The need for balance

Our brains work in two ways: enjoying the present moment and planning for the future.

Dopamine makes us think about the future and set goals while other chemicals like serotonin, oxytocin and endorphins help us feel happy right now.

Balancing these two types of thinking is crucial for well-being because most people fall into the overreliance on dopamine-driven future pursuits that lead to anxiousness and an inability to enjoy the present.

3. A double-edged sword

Dopamine affects motivation which is extremely important for achieving our goals.

However, the pursuit of the dopamine "high" can result in addictive behaviors as we constantly seek new and more intense experiences, achievements or pleasures but end in depression once we achieve what we desire and dopamine levels drop.

Closing thoughts 🧠

The book makes complex neurochemical processes understandable to everyday people and delves into how dopamine influences our behavior.

Through both anecdotes and scientific insights, the authors demonstrate how the complex interplay of chemicals in the brain impact our everyday lives and how understanding this can help us better manage various aspects of life.