Humans are wired to seek more dopamine from "summary" of The Molecule of More by Daniel Z. Lieberman, MD,Michael E. Long
Our brains are hardwired to seek out more of the feel-good chemical dopamine. This is because dopamine drives us to pursue rewards and motivates us to take action to achieve those rewards. When we accomplish a goal or experience pleasure, our brain releases dopamine, reinforcing our behavior and encouraging us to seek out similar experiences in the future. Dopamine plays a crucial role in our drive for more because it is the neurotransmitter that fuels our desire for novelty, challenge, and change. It pushes us to explore new territories, take risks, and seek out new experiences. This is why we are often drawn to activities that provide a dopamine rush, such as trying new foods, traveling to new places, or engaging in exciting adventures. The pursuit of more dopamine can lead to both positive and negative outcomes. On the positive side, it can drive us to achieve great things, take risks, and push ourselves beyond our limits. However, it can also lead to addictive behaviors, as we become hooked on the thrill of seeking out more dopamine and may engage in harmful or self-destructive activities to satisfy our cravings. Our constant quest for more dopamine can also create a cycle of dissatisfaction, as the brain quickly adapts to new levels of dopamine and craves even higher doses to experience the same level of pleasure. This can lead to a never-ending cycle of seeking out more rewards and never feeling truly satisfied, as our brains are always pushing us to chase after the next dopamine hit. In order to break free from this cycle of seeking more dopamine, we must learn to balance our pursuit of rewards with a sense of contentment and gratitude for what we already have. By practicing mindfulness, gratitude, and self-awareness, we can learn to appreciate the present moment and find fulfillment in the simple things in life, rather than constantly chasing after the next dopamine rush.
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