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The Compass of Pleasure

How Our Brains Make Fatty Foods, Orgasm, Exercise, Marijuana, Generosity, Vodka, Learning, and Gambling Feel So Good

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The Compass of Pleasure

By: David J. Linden
Narrated by: Sean Pratt
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About this listen

A leading brain scientist's look at the neurobiology of pleasure - and how pleasures can become addictions. Whether eating, taking drugs, engaging in sex, or doing good deeds, the pursuit of pleasure is a central drive of the human animal. In The Compass of Pleasure Johns Hopkins neuroscientist David J. Linden explains how pleasure affects us at the most fundamental level: in our brain. As he did in his award-winning book, The Accidental Mind, Linden combines cutting-edge science with entertaining anecdotes to illuminate the source of the behaviors that can lead us to ecstasy but that can easily become compulsive. Why are drugs like nicotine and heroin addictive while LSD is not? Why has the search for safe appetite suppressants been such a disappointment? The Compass of Pleasure concludes with a provocative consideration of pleasure in the future, when it may be possible to activate our pleasure circuits at will and in entirely novel patterns.

©2011 David J. Linden (P)2011 Gildan Media Corp Brain & Nervous System Genetics Neuroscience & Neuropsychology Human Brain Mental Health Marijuana Drug use Young Adult Gambling Psychology

Critic Reviews

“Linden's conversational style, his abundant use of anecdotes, and his successful coupling of wit with insight makes the book a joy to read.” ( Publishers Weekly)

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Excellent.

A brilliant recommendation from a trusted friend who rightly figured that I would find this superb book truly fascinating which has absolutely been the case as it is a nuanced exploration of an intriguing subject.

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