“Dopamine makes promises that it is in no position to keep”
Three books have profoundly shaped my understanding of the mind’s duality through the lens of neuroscience. Iain McGilchrist’s The Master and His Emissary (2009) reveals how the brain’s two hemispheres—holistic and contextual (right) versus analytical and reductionist (left)—define human experience and culture. McGilchrist argues that the modern world is increasingly dominated by the left hemisphere’s narrow focus, creating a fragmented, disconnected society. Daniel Kahneman’s Thinking, Fast and Slow (2011) explores this duality through the interplay of two systems of thought—intuitive and automatic (System 1) versus deliberate and analytical (System 2). Kahneman’s work exposes the biases and heuristics that influence human decision-making. Recently, I discovered a third book that complements these perspectives: Daniel Z. Lieberman and Michael E. Long’s The Molecule of More (2018). It examines dopamine, the chemical of desire and motivation, and its pivotal role in shaping human ambition, creativity, and the tension between future aspirations and present contentment.
Lieberman and Long explain the brain’s division of the world into two domains—peripersonal space (what is within immediate reach) and extrapersonal space (what lies beyond). Peripersonal space is regulated by chemicals tied to present-moment awareness, fostering contentment and connection. Extrapersonal space, however, is dopamine’s realm, focused on anticipation, ambition, and the pursuit of what could be. Evolutionarily, this split was critical. Immediate resources like food or shelter required urgent action, while extrapersonal resources demanded exploration and strategic planning. Dopamine ensured survival by driving humans to seek novelty and improvement.
Desire originates deep within the ventral tegmental area, a dopamine-rich structure that scans the environment for potential opportunities—be they food, shelter, or social connections. When dopamine is triggered, it signals the brain to “wake up and pay attention,” sparking a sense of excitement. This response is automatic, beyond conscious control, yet it is not synonymous with pleasure. Dopamine is the molecule of anticipation, not satisfaction. It thrives on the unexpected, propelling us toward uncertainty and novelty. Classic experiments, such as B.F. Skinner’s studies on variable reward schedules, highlight dopamine’s role in addictive behaviors like gambling, as well as its influence on the design of video games, which capitalize on progress and anticipation.
Happiness in the dopamine framework lies not in achieving a goal but in the pursuit itself. Once a desired object is attained, dopamine activity wanes, leaving a sense of emptiness. This dynamic explains why chasing a goal often feels more rewarding than reaching it. To savor the present, the brain must shift from dopamine-driven anticipation to the “here-and-now” (H&N) chemicals, such as serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins. These neurotransmitters enable us to experience pleasure through relationships, sensory engagement, and mindfulness.
Dopamine’s love of novelty also explains the waning excitement in long-term relationships. Early in a partnership, unpredictability triggers dopamine-fueled attraction. As familiarity grows, dopamine subsides, often leaving individuals restless or searching for new excitement. Yet, this same neurochemical underpins creativity. Artists and scientists frequently describe the act of creation as their most euphoric experience, fueled by dopamine’s capacity to bypass inhibitions and spark originality. Fascinatingly, dopamine-boosting medications, such as those for Parkinson’s disease, have been linked to increased creativity. Lieberman and Long share the case of a poet who, after beginning Parkinson’s treatment, wrote an award-winning poem despite no prior history of creative writing. Similarly, painters on dopamine therapies increased their use of vivid color.
This phenomenon resonates with me personally. After my Parkinson’s diagnosis this year, I began treatment with levodopa, which converts to dopamine in the brain. I marked an improvement in my mental clarity and creative drive. It felt as though I had reclaimed my younger mind. My hobby of writing, neglected for a few years, became a passion again. My neurologist said this effect is not commonly reported, but Lieberman and Long’s observations align with my experience. A similar effect is reported in an episode of the Parkinson’s podcast, Movers and Shakers.
Dopamine’s influence shapes political ideologies. Liberals, often dopamine-driven, focus on progress, innovation, and solving systemic problems. Conservatives, more grounded in H&N chemicals, emphasize stability and tradition, valuing the present over the uncertain future. These neurological differences fuel polarization, as each group struggles to comprehend the other’s perspective. Interestingly, research suggests that small interventions—such as reducing vulnerability—can temporarily shift conservative leanings toward liberalism by enhancing dopamine activity. Dopamine is both a blessing and a challenge. It has propelled humanity forward, enabling remarkable achievements in science, art, and culture. Yet its insatiable nature demands balance. To avoid the trap of perpetual dissatisfaction, individuals must engage the H&N chemicals that anchor them in the present. These neurochemical systems offer the contentment and joy needed to appreciate life as it is, not as it could be. In this interplay between dopamine and the present lies the secret to balancing ambition with fulfillment, ensuring that humanity continues to progress without losing sight of what truly matters.
Published on December 21, 2024
Updated on December 21, 2024