Description

Gene Wallenstein – The Pleasure InstinctAn immensely fascinating look at the origins and evolutionary purpose of human pleasureFrom 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.ContentsPART ONEThe Pleasure Instinct and Brain Development1 Foibles and Follies 32 How to Win Friends and Influence People 113 What Makes Sammy Dance? 25PART TWOThe Pleasures of the Sensory World4 The Pleasure of Touch 495 In Praise of Odors 636 For the Love of Chocolate 797 The Evolution of the Lullaby 958 In Search of Pretty Things 111PART THREEThe Pleasure Instinct and the Modern Experience9 Pleasure from Proportion and Symmetry 13310 Pleasure from Repetition and Rhythm 16911 Homo Addictus 18112 Parsing Pleasure 207Notes 215Index 235