Oxytocin and You

Oxytocin is a short-lived substance your body produces that has to do with feeling connected to people. Though it is perhaps more associated with females (especially relating to childbirth, breastfeeding, and maternal instinct), it's important to all people, male and female. I think it's even correlated to overall happiness, which is perhaps unfortunate for me as I've felt lacking in oxytocin for years.

Anyway, more recently ocytocin has also been linked to morality and trust. Here's Paul Zak's short (16 minute) presentation on that topic:

I find it really interesting to learn about the neurology and biological basis that drives people to be how they are, so maybe you'll find that interesting too.

Comments

[Waterd103]

I don't like he uses the word moral, and i'm starting to hate that word. But outside of that is just an amazing video, I don't know if believe it, and I will for sure investigate more on the matter, but if what this man says is true, then this is a very important matter that should be studied more as it seems core to one of the most important things to humans, happiness.

How key is this on empathy, and if it's maybe the most important factor on it, and if it could be manipulated, could have huge positive effects on humankind.

Thanks for posting this video.

[Till]

Here is a different take on the hype surrounding oxytocin. also check out this article by the same author which paints a more nuanced view of this (certainly fascinating) molecule.

Generally speaking I get weary when people go around making grandiose claims about specific molecules. Science is messy and neurochemistry is especially complex and rarely straightforward enough to supply easy answers.

[Aphotix]

Thanks for sharing this Sirlin. Super interesting stuff. Hope you're well!