Reading Notes

Reading Check #3/4

Pursuing Happiness Stefan Klein “Enjoyment”

Main Argument: The author would like people to understand how liking and wanting is a different kind of feeling mentally but they are essentially the same chemicals that are acting in your brain. Furthermore, the author explains that they are certain situations that the chemicals can be triggered to create the sense of enjoyment/fulfillness.

Summary: ● We remember positive feelings because of dopamine, a molecule that controls the

sense of pleasure. ● Endorphins and enkephalins are the transmitters/opioids in the brain to help the

process. ● While opium and other types of drugs can provide happiness, sometimes it takes just

a good meal for your brain to create those substances. ● Our body craves for nutrition and as much nourishment as possible. Which is why

bland food tastes boring and things like ice-cream tastes so nice to us. ● Opiates can also help relieve pain in the brain, for instances such as giving birth to a

child. ● Happiness can also be generated when a goal is fulfilled. Anticipation and enjoyment

have a lot in common but anticipation usually lasts longer.

Question for Class: What food makes you happier than anything else?