The Pleasure Instinct - by Gene Wallenstein (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

An immensely fascinating look at the origins and evolutionary purpose of human pleasure

From our enjoyment of music to our cravings for chocolate, from our love for children and family to our attraction to things of beauty, this book embarks on an intriguing and accessible exploration of the purpose of pleasure in our lives and in human history. How did pleasure evolve and why? How does it develop in children? How does the pursuit of pleasure play a critical role in brain development? The Pleasure Instinct explores everything we need to know about our urge to feel good.

From the Back Cover

An intriguing look at the evolutionary origins and purpose of human pleasure

"Wallenstein shows that pleasure is an evolutionary tactic, a means whereby natural selection gets us to do certain things--often for better, sometimes for worse. Either way, it behooves us to understand our own 'pleasure instinct, ' and this insightful, important book helps point the way."
--David P. Barash, professor of psychology, University of Washington, and author of "How Women Got Their Curves and Other Just-So Stories"

Call it bliss, elation, cheer, thrills, spice, titillation, glee, exuberance, mirth, joy, jubilation, or just plain fun--we all desire it, but what is pleasure, exactly? Why do we spend so much of our time, money, and energy in pursuit of it? How does one person's relaxing glass of wine with dinner become another person's nightmare of alcoholism? And how is it that human beings can find pleasure in such a huge variety of experiences?

In the past, these questions have come mainly from the realms of moral philosophy, religion, and psychology. "The Pleasure Instinct" finds convincing answers in a place where few have thought to look before--human evolution. From our enjoyment of music to our cravings for chocolate, from our love of family and friends to our attraction to things of beauty, this book embarks on an intriguing exploration of the purpose of pleasure in our lives and in human history.

About the Author

Gene Wallenstein, Ph.D., is an internation-ally recognized neuroscientist and expert on the biology of emotions. He is a pioneer in the emerging field of cognitive neurobiology, and for the last decade his research on the evolution of emotions has been featured in leading scientific journals, establishing him as one of the prominent figures shaping this new field. Formerly a Fellow at Harvard University and an Assistant Professor of Neuroscience at the University of Utah, he is now the Director of Global Outcomes Research at Pfizer Global Research and Development.