Welcome to my new series of Perfect Pairs - Books and Brews!
In a delicious irony, I pair The Molecule of More with an Italian Peroni. Co-Authored by my friend and mentor Michael Long with Dr. Daniel Lieberman, The Molecule of More explores how dopamine drives people to love, politicians to make bad decisions, addicts to remain in their vicious cycle, and creativity to progress.
Mike and I met at Maggiano’s Little Italy to reconnect over good food, good drink, and a good book, which he graciously signed. My molecules ran amuck with excitement over great conversation, Shrimp Fra Diavolo I didn’t want to end, and a beverage as enjoyable as the book.
An Italian Peroni is clean, crisp, and refreshing. It goes down easy leaving you wanting more to satisfy your thirst. Or is it to satisfy the little devil dopamine? Mike’s book is an easier read than one may think for a science/psychology book. But that’s Mike’s style. He knows how to keep his readers (and students - I was one of them) turning the page with relatable and real stories which apply scientific reasoning. Like a Peroni, or the Scotch beside it, the desire for another sip and the desire to turn another page keeps going to the end.
Understanding human behavior can help us be more successful in life, love, and business. Why do people do what they do? Why to they react differently to the same situation? How could reasonably intelligent and well-established people make such crazy or bad decisions? Why? Why? Why? The brain is complex. We may never completely understand it, but Mike and Daniel get us a little closer in a way that most of us can digest.
I can’t help but notice that the book also intends to help us understand how a little molecule drives and explains behaviors so we can attempt to recognize and control our own behavior. As a writer, I’ve chosen to channel my inner demon by sharing my affordable and tasty brew (wine, cocktail, and food) finds with you. But please, drink responsibly and that means if your molecule controls you more than you control it, then please enjoy the food!
Get your copy of The Molecule of More and enjoy it over your favorite beverage of choice – a delightful hot chocolate or simple hot tea perhaps? Cheers!
I must have a dopamine demon (which lay dormant for many years) which urges me to keep making more "stuff".
Also, preserves the brain.