Money triggers the brain's pleasure center from "summary" of Your Money and Your Brain by Jason Zweig
When you think about money, your brain doesn't just process it as a piece of paper or a string of numbers. It triggers a reaction in your brain that is similar to what happens when you eat a delicious meal or have sex. The pleasure center of your brain lights up, releasing chemicals that make you feel good. This reaction is part of our evolutionary history. Thousands of years ago, when our ancestors found food or other resources that helped them survive, their brains rewarded them with a burst of pleasure. This ensured that they would seek out those resources again in the future, increasing their chances of survival. In the modern world, money has become a primary resource that we seek out. When we earn money, spend it, or even think about it, our brains still respond by releasing pleasure chemicals. This can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it motivates us to work hard, save, and invest. On the other hand, it can lead to irrational behavior, risk-taking, and even addiction. Studies have shown that the pleasure we get from money is not just about the amount we have, but also about how we acquire it. For example, if we receive money unexpectedly or as a surprise, our brains respond even more strongly. This helps to explain why winning the lottery or receiving a bonus can be so exhilarating.- We can learn to control our impulses and make choices that are in our best long-term interests. Ultimately, by being mindful of how money triggers our pleasure center, we can strive for a healthier relationship with our finances.
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