The Pleasure Instinct: Why We Crave Adventure, Chocolate, Pheromones, and Music

Gene Wallenstein

Wiley, Nov 24, 2008 - Science - 256 pages

An 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.

What people are saying

Review: The Pleasure Instinct: Why We Crave Adventure, Chocolate, Pheromones, and Music

User Review  - Ruth blake - Goodreads

rather good, but just a tad obvious!

Review: The Pleasure Instinct: Why We Crave Adventure, Chocolate, Pheromones, and Music

User Review  - our pleasureteam - Goodreads

Explains the neuroscience behind the perception of pleasure in terms that a lay person can understand. Material could easily apply to classroom experiences based on the learning Bandura's learning theory.

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.

Bibliographic information

• Title: The Pleasure Instinct: Why We Crave Adventure, Chocolate, Pheromones, and Music
• Author: Gene Wallenstein
• Publisher: Wiley, 2008
• ISBN: 0470391014, 9780470391013
• Length: 256 pages
• Subjects: FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS; Psychology / Emotions; Psychology / General; Science / General; Science / Life Sciences / Evolution; Social Science / Sociology / General