Neuroscience Meets Pleasure: Insights and Surprises from 'The Compass of Pleasure' by David Linden

After finishing David Linden's "The Compass of Pleasure," I must say that my mind has been delightfully blown. This book is a treasure trove of scientific knowledge that provides a detailed and professional summary of our current understanding of the neuronal basis in which pleasure arises, the biological functions of pleasure circuits, and the havoc that can be wreaked if these mechanisms go haywire. Linden covers everything from addiction to perverted sexual behaviors (yes, you read that right), all with a masterful touch that keeps you engaged.

As I devoured this enlightening read, I discovered several fascinating pieces of information. For instance, I learned that addiction doesn't happen overnight; it develops gradually and is associated with strong and persistent memories of the drug-taking experience. To cure addiction, one likely has to eliminate those associated memories as well. Additionally, any sound, smell, sight, or memory can become associated with pleasure and can thereby become pleasurable in its own right. In other words, the pleasure triggers can be abstract.

Linden also explains how studying twins led to the discovery that body mass index is about 80% heritable while 20% is associated with environment and gene/environment interactions. Moreover, people with lower levels of D2 dopamine receptors are less easy to excite, more isolated, and are more likely to struggle with several different substance addictions, behavioral addictions such as compulsive shopping and gambling, as well as ADHD.

Moreover, high stress is one of the most important inducers of addiction and relapse following a period of abstinence in addicts, as well as binge eating. So perhaps curing stress is more important and realistic than trying to cure addiction itself.

Some other fascinating findings in the book include the fact that oxytocin nasal spray can make people more trusting of strangers and less fearful of socializing. Gamblers are easier to get addicted if they experience the "near-miss effect" (when they think they almost won) and the "direct-involvement effect" (when they feel they have control over the outcome).

Linden also highlights that social comparison is hardwired into our brains, making us prone to gossip, rumors, and information about our own future. Lastly, he discusses the potential future of pleasure stimulation -- a day when we can get tailored pleasure stimulation by sending prompts to the system that controls our pleasure circuits.

Overall, this book provided me with valuable insights and knowledge on complex topics. However, I would be remiss not to mention my discomfort with the author's excessive focus on perverted sexual behaviors which are rare and not necessarily important to the points he is trying to make. But, hey, it takes all sorts to make the world go round.