Human happiness has always intrigued me, given my interest in psychology.
I finally found an answer to what we are experiencing as a society, thanks to Dr. Robert Lustig's book *The Fat Chance*.
The difference between pleasure and happiness is significant. We often confuse the two. We strive for happiness but are hijacked by pleasure.
Here are some notable differences:
Pleasure is short-lived, visceral, usually experienced alone, achievable with substances, and requires little time or effort.
Happiness is long-lived, ethereal, often experienced in social groups, cannot be achieved with substances, and requires a lot of time and effort.
Addiction is the continued use despite adverse consequences. Many aspects of modern society drive addictive, pleasure-seeking behavior.
Happiness cannot be bought, while pleasure can. True happiness comes from within.
Neurologically, we want more serotonin but are hijacked by dopamine.
Serotonin is the "contentment" neurotransmitter that tells our brains we don't need any more; its deficiency leads to depression. It is an inhibitory neurotransmitter.
Dopamine is the "reward" neurotransmitter that drives us to seek more. It is an excitatory neurotransmitter that encourages action.
When the suffix "aholic" is added to something, it usually involves dopamine.
I am exploring a system for establishing a respect quotient for happiness, and we can discuss that tomorrow.
