Daniel Lieberman

The Molecule of More

1. IDEA 1

   Dopamine drives wanting, not having

   Lieberman and Long describe dopamine as the molecule of more: it drives desire for things we do not yet have. Its role is anticipation and pursuit, not the pleasure of enjoying what is already in front of us.

2. IDEA 2

   Here-and-now chemicals help us enjoy

   The authors contrast dopamine with here-and-now chemicals, such as serotonin and endorphins, which help us enjoy the present. A good life, they argue, needs a balance between wanting more and appreciating now.

3. IDEA 3

   Anticipation fades once we get things

   Dopamine fires strongly when we expect something new and good, the authors explain, but drops once we have it. This explains why new purchases or achievements often feel less thrilling than expected.

All 8 ideas from The Molecule of More →