{"id":39590,"date":"2024-11-20T20:49:26","date_gmt":"2024-11-21T04:49:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.georgefox.edu\/dlgp\/?p=39590"},"modified":"2024-11-20T22:06:16","modified_gmt":"2024-11-21T06:06:16","slug":"its-me-dopamine-ini-saya-dopamin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.georgefox.edu\/dlgp\/its-me-dopamine-ini-saya-dopamin\/","title":{"rendered":"It\u2019s Me, Dopamine, [Ini Saya, Dopamin\u2026]"},"content":{"rendered":"

“The Molecule of More: How a Single Chemical in Your Brain Drives Love, Sex, and Creativity – And Will Determine the Fate of the Human Race,” by Daniel Lieberman and Michael Long,[1]<\/a> \u00a0offers a fascinating exploration of how a single chemical, dopamine can shape the entirety of human experience.<\/p>\n

The thesis of “The Molecule of More,” explores the impact of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that plays a pivotal role in human behavior,[2]<\/a> emotions, and societal dynamics. Additionally, it presents a compelling narrative that connects various aspects of life through the lens of dopamine’s influence. I would categorize this book as a combination of science, psychology, and philosophy.<\/p>\n

Dopamine: The Chemical of Desire<\/strong><\/em>
\nDopamine is referred to as the “molecule of more,”[3]<\/a> driving our desires for novelty and achievement. Lieberman and Long argue that this constant pursuit of more has both positive and negative effects: it fosters creativity and innovation, but can also lead to addiction and dissatisfaction. They illustrate this duality by showing how dopamine impacts various aspects of life, including romantic relationships and professional ambitions.<\/p>\n

It made me wonder about passion addressed by Angela Duckworth in her book \u201cGrit.\u201d[4]<\/a> Doesn\u2019t passion leads to more? Can I consider desire as passion? I don\u2019t know, just curious I guess! The Molecule of More emphasizes how the pursuit of more\u2014fueled by dopamine (experience) while Grit is a combination of sustained effort and commitment to long-term goals. Moving along\u2026<\/p>\n

Love and Relationships<\/strong><\/em>
\nThe authors discuss how dopamine influences romantic love. Initially, dopamine creates feelings of euphoria and desire, making the early stages of love exciting.[5]<\/a> However, as relationships develop, this dopamine-driven excitement tends to diminish, leading to a more stable but less passionate phase. This transition can pose challenges for couples, as the initial thrill gives way to a more ordinary reality.[6]<\/a> Lieberman and Long suggest that understanding this biochemical process can help individuals strengthen their relationships and foster deeper connections, even as the initial spark fades<\/p>\n

Creativity and Innovation<\/strong><\/em>
\nDopamine’s role in creativity is another focal point of the book.[7]<\/a> The authors argue that individuals with higher dopamine levels tend to be more creative, as they are more willing to take risks and explore uncharted territories. This statement reminds me of Elon Musk who has now landed a creative position (DOGE role) partnering with the upcoming Trump administration.[8]<\/a> Is this an interplay of dopamine in shaping not only Musk\u2019s life but also the American government? Is this causing anxiety for the government employees?<\/p>\n

Addiction and Compulsion<\/strong><\/em>
\nThe book also addresses the darker side of dopamine: addiction. The authors explain how the pursuit of pleasure can become an all-consuming obsession, leading individuals to engage in harmful behaviors. Dopamine’s relentless demand for more can make it difficult for addicts to find satisfaction in anything other than their substance of choice.[9]<\/a> This has reflected on several prominent Christian leaders such as Red Haggard, Jim Baker, Mark Driscoll, Brian Houston and many more.<\/p>\n

Political Polarization<\/strong><\/em>
\nBased on the current political atmosphere, I can see how dopamine affects our political beliefs and actions. The authors suggest that our cravings, driven by dopamine, influence how we connect with political ideas, making us stick to our views and less open to change.[10]<\/a> This helps explain why there is so much division in politics today.<\/p>\n

The Future of Humanity<\/strong><\/em>
\nLieberman and Long wrap up by discussing how dopamine affects our future as a society. They warn that as we chase after more\u2014whether it’s through technology, shopping, or social media\u2014we might forget what really matters in life. The authors suggest we need to find a balance: while it’s good to be ambitious and driven, we should also practice being mindful and appreciating the present moment.[11]<\/a><\/p>\n

Take away<\/strong><\/em>
\nI found the text helpful<\/strong> in exploring how love, creativity, addiction, and politics influence human behavior. It increased my awareness of my own desires and motivations, clarifying what drives me. In a world increasingly shaped by dopamine, the lessons from this book can guide me toward a more balanced and fulfilling life.
\nAdditionally, this book reminded me of a phrase my coworker called me when I was in my 30s: “Hummingbird on drugs.” I was dumfounded but he found it endearing, reflecting my high energy and ambitious personality. I wonder if that’s dopamine…<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/em>
\nEssentially, the authors want readers to focus not just on chasing after more, but on the quality of our experiences and relationships. They suggest that understanding and managing our natural desires is key to living a meaningful life.<\/p>\n

[1]<\/a> Lieberman, Daniel Z., and Michael E. Long.\u00a0The Molecule of More: How a Single Chemical in <\/em>Your Brain Drives Love, Sex, and Creativity – And Will Determine the Fate of the Human Race<\/em>\u00a0(Dallas: BenBella Books, 2018).<\/p>\n

[2]<\/a> Lieberman and Long,\u00a0150.<\/p>\n

[3]<\/a> Lieberman and Long,\u00a0Cover.<\/p>\n

[4]<\/a> Angela Duckworth, Grit; the Power of Passion and Perseverance<\/em>\u00a0(New York; Scribner, 2016), 95.<\/p>\n

[5]<\/a> Lieberman and Long,\u00a03.<\/p>\n

[6]<\/a> Lieberman and Long,\u00a0149.<\/p>\n

[7]<\/a> Lieberman and Long,\u00a020.<\/p>\n

[8]<\/a> Dogecoin Government, accessed November 20, 2024, https:\/\/dogegov.com\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n

[9]<\/a> Lieberman and Long,\u00a045.<\/p>\n

[10]<\/a> Lieberman and Long,\u00a0145.<\/p>\n

[11]<\/a> Lieberman and Long,\u00a0199.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

“The Molecule of More: How a Single Chemical in Your Brain Drives Love, Sex, and Creativity – And Will Determine the Fate of the Human Race,” by Daniel Lieberman and Michael Long,[1] \u00a0offers a fascinating exploration of how a single chemical, dopamine can shape the entirety of human experience. The thesis of “The Molecule of […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":198,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[3376],"class_list":["post-39590","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-lieberman-long-dlpg03","cohort-dlgp03"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.georgefox.edu\/dlgp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39590","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.georgefox.edu\/dlgp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.georgefox.edu\/dlgp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.georgefox.edu\/dlgp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/198"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.georgefox.edu\/dlgp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=39590"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.georgefox.edu\/dlgp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39590\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":39594,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.georgefox.edu\/dlgp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39590\/revisions\/39594"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.georgefox.edu\/dlgp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=39590"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.georgefox.edu\/dlgp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=39590"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.georgefox.edu\/dlgp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=39590"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}