Every week Salome is greeted by the members before church with a question. \u201cHey Salome, are you singing this week?\u201d Salome is the lead vocalist of his local church choir. A great young man, tall, former college athlete, graduating amongst the highest in his class. His hybrid voice resonating so emphatically across generational lines singing traditional, classic and gospel music genres to the awe of those who gathered in church weekly. A charismatic and inviting personality, born to a two-parent hard working, God-fearing family he and his family were well known in the community. One day while I was home, my phone rang in the early morning and as answered I was informed \u201cSalome was killed last night.\u201d<\/p>\n
Salome was stabbed to death as part of a drug deal gone bad over a $20 bag of cocaine he was trying to purchase. Many knew Salome once had a problem with drugs, but we were all convinced and shocked to learn he did not overcome his drug use. Later, we would learn he just wanted a fix because of a traumatic life experience he was facing, and he desired one more hit.<\/p>\n
Drugs are one of the factors addressed in the book The Molecule of More, authored by Daniel Lieberman and Michael Long; the book gives an in-depth look at the pleasure molecule dopamine. Lieberman is a psychiatrist who specializes in treating addiction and emotional disorders like depression. He also serves as an educator, teaching at the School of Psychiatry at George Washington University. Long is a trained physicist and an educator as well with many writings. He is the director of writing for Georgetown University\u2019s graduate program in public relations.<\/p>\n
The authors describe dopamine as a driving force in the major areas of life. They also present the differences between two neurochemical systems: the “dopamine system” (focused on desire and anticipation) and the “here-and-now (H&N) neurotransmitters” (like serotonin and oxytocin, which promote contentment and connection). Looking back at Salome\u2019s tragedy will uncover his desire and anticipation, which was strongly linked to the dopamine system. This is highlighted as Lieberman and Long state, \u201cDrug abuse is like cancer: it starts small but can quickly take over every aspect of a user\u2019s life.\u201d [1]<\/p>\n
Dopamine also has a creative side as well fueling innovation, ambition, and forward thinking. Lieberman and long also point to how this molecule is an influencer in the realm of possibilities. It is the go-between for possibilities and reality. This also plays out in a person\u2019s dreams. When we dream, science states we are released from H&N neurotransmitters, which block freedom from the outside world, opening the flood gates for dopamine to flow freely. \u201cthe trivial, the unnoticed and the odd can be elevated to positions of prominence, supplying us with new ideas that otherwise would have been impossible to discover.\u201d {2}<\/p>\n
The need for more is contagious. We see the dopamine trend play out in the public spotlight amongst celebrities, athletes, entertainers, and even down to lottery winners. As many are atop a pinnacle of success, we see, hear, and read of the repeated stories of the crash and burn of people who squander and subsequently lose large amounts of money. The common denominator within most of these is the failure to harness the irresistible urge for more. (houses, money, jewelry, cars, clothes, etc.)<\/p>\n
Studies show that the above examples would all become victims of dopaminergic excitement, which is the thrill of anticipation. Lieberman and Bird suggest the dopamine thrill becomes lost when expectations are unmet and letdown takes place. \u201cThe thrilling mystery of the unknown becomes the boring familiarity of the everyday.\u201d {3]<\/p>\n
It would be interesting to parallel last week\u2019s reading on Grit to The Molecule of More. My thought centers on the dopamine effect on grit. If I could pose a suggestion for future study, I would love to see Angela Duckworth return to West Point to examine if there is a linkage to grit and dopamine. More specifically, how much dopamine could play a part in the grittiest of people?<\/p>\n
Richard E. Cytowic wasn\u2019t too high on dopamine in his book critique. He believes The Molecule of More misses the mark, arguing; \u201cconflation of correlation with causation is a feature felt throughout the book. Suggestions for \u201cfurther reading\u201d follow each chapter. But these do not make up for the absence of references linked to specific assertions within the text, making it impossible for readers to weigh evidence.\u201d [4}<\/p>\n
I found Cytowic\u2019s opinion of the book to be both credible and questionable. Cytowic is a professor of Neurology at George Washington University, the same institution Lieberman teaches at. I personally appreciated the book because it caused me to introspection on my life.<\/p>\n
As I reflect upon certain seasons, I could easily find myself guilty and pinpoint where dopamine tendencies dominated my mental, emotional, and financial well-being. Short-sightedness and the need for more were parts of my journey and everyday ritual that negatively impacted me. I could also lay hold of several other ways the dopamine factor has resulted in a positive outcome in my life. In the end, I believe balance is critical but there must be a healthy balance between ambition and decision.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
[1] Daniel Z. Lieberman., and Michael E. Long. 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. First trade paperback edition. Dallas, TX: BenBella Books, 2019. 37.<\/p>\n
[2] ] Lieberman and Long, 129.<\/p>\n
[3] Lieberman and Long, 79.<\/p>\n
[4] Daniel Z. Lieberman,. \u201cThe Molecule of More: How a Single Chemical in Your Brain Drives Love, Sex, and Creativity\u2015and Will Determine the Fate of the Human Race.\u201d A Book Review by Richard Cytowic: The Molecule of More: How a Single Chemical in Your Brain Drives Love, Sex, and Creativity\u2015and Will Determine the Fate of the Human Race. BenBella Books, August 14, 2018. Last modified August 14, 2018. Accessed November 22, 2024. https:\/\/www.nyjournalofbooks.com\/book-review\/molecule-more.<\/p>\n
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