Paul J. Zak is Professor of Economics and Department
Chair, as well as the founding Director of the Center for Neuroeconomics
Studies at Claremont Graduate University. He is author of: The Moral
Molecule: The source of love and prosperity which explores the
relationship between Oxytocin, empathy, compassion, trust, etc. "The Moral
Molecule is a first-hand account of the discovery of a molecule that makes
us moral. It reveals that compassion [and empathy] is part of our human
nature, why loneliness can kill you, and why your neighbor may be a
psychopath."
"As social creatures, we need some sort of signaling molecule that says,
'You're safe to be around, I can interact with you,'" he said. "Oxytocin
motivates social interactions by reducing stress levels, and it actually
improves our immune system, so we get these very subtle signals that you
are part of my tribe or my family, so I can affiliate with you.""
"The emotionally
charged story recounted at the beginning Dr. Paul Zak’s film—of a
terminally ill two-year-old named Ben and his father—offers a simple yet
remarkable case study in how the human brain responds to effective
storytelling. As part of his study, Dr. Zak, a founding pioneer in the
emerging field of neuroeconomics, closely monitored the neural activity
of hundreds of people who viewed Ben’s story.
What he discovered is that even the simplest narrative, if it is highly
engaging and follows the classic dramatic arc outlined by the German
playwright Gustav Freytag, can evoke powerful empathic responses
associated with specific neurochemicals, namely cortisol and oxytocin.
Those brain responses, in turn, can translate readily into concrete
action—in the case of Dr. Zak’s study subjects, generous donations to
charity and even monetary gifts to fellow participants."
2012-10-01 -
The Neurochemistry of Empathy, Storytelling, and the Dramatic Arc,
Animated "Stories
are powerful because they transport us into other people’s worlds but,
in doing that, they change the way our brains work and potentially
change our brain chemistry — and that’s what it means to be a social
creature."
"This week, I’m headed to the Future of Storytelling summit,
an unusual cross-disciplinary unconference exploring exactly what it
says on the tin. Among the presenters is neuroeconomics pioneer Paul
Zak, director of the Center for Neuroeconomic Studies and author of The
Moral Molecule: The Source of Love and Prosperity. In this short film on
empathy, neurochemistry, and the dramatic arc, directed and edited by my
friend Kirby Ferguson and animated by Henrique Barone, Zak takes us
inside his lab, where he studies how people respond to stories."
Mr. Zak gives a lot more hugs than most economists. That is because he
has made a specialty of studying the social role of oxytocin, a
neurochemical once associated with sex that he says is also critical to
trust, empathy and family-like bonds. Oxytocin both fosters and feeds on
those behaviors, and can also be created by surmountable challenges,
dancing, singing, meditation or marching in a group.
"In his latest book The Moral Molecule, neuroeconomist Paul Zak
describes oxytocin’s role in trust, bonding and even virtuous behaviour.
New Scientist caught up with him about avoiding the term “the cuddle
chemical” and trying not to make a bride faint on her wedding day..
"What drives our desire to behave morally? Neuroeconomist Paul Zak shows
why he believes oxytocin (he calls it "the moral molecule") is
responsible for trust, empathy and other feelings that help build a
stable society. A pioneer in the field of neuroeconomics, Paul Zak is
uncovering how the hormone oxytocin promotes trust, and proving that
love is good for business."
7:00 "The change in
Oxytocin
predicted their feelings of empathy. So
it's empathy that makes us connect to other people.
It's empathy that makes us help other people. It's empathy that makes us
moral. This idea is not new." (Adam Smith talked about this as well).
Paul's new book, "The Moral Molecule" 3:57
Oxytocin, the chemical that causes trust 9:54
Why Paul hugs everyone he meets 6:54
How pickup artists use and abuse oxytocin 4:12
Becoming a better person 4:53
Possible pharmaceutical uses for oxytocin 3:07
2012-05-00 -The biochemistry of love and empathy
"In his latest book The Moral Molecule, neuroeconomist Paul Zak
describes oxytocin’s role in trust, bonding and even virtuous behaviour.
New Scientist caught up with him about avoiding the term “the cuddle
chemical” and trying not to make a bride faint on her wedding day."
2011-04-30 -
Oxytocin, Biophysiology, Evolution, Empathy, and Rights
'Fascinating Reason.tv interview with
neuroscientistPaul Zak,
about the evolved, neurobiological, oxytocin supported propensity to
social trust and cooperation. This complements Mises’s insights
regarding the nature of empathy and the division of labor in social
cooperation and peace.'
2011-07-00 -
Paul Zak: Trust, morality -- and oxytocin
What drives our desire to behave morally? Neuroeconomist Paul Zak shows
why he believes oxytocin (he calls it "the moral molecule") is
responsible for trust, empathy and other feelings that help build a
stable society.
Oxytocin - Empathy, Are you Good or Evil 2
'What makes us good or evil? It's a simple but deeply
unsettling question. One that scientists are now starting to answer.
Horizon meets the researchers who have studied some of the most
terrifying people behind bars - psychopathic killers. But there was a
shock in store for one of these scientists, Professor Jim Fallon, when
he discovered that he had the profile of a psychopath. And the reason he
didn't turn out to be a killer holds important lessons for all of us.'
Why an Oxytocin-Rich Environment Makes For Better Business
Companies can create an oxytocin-led
positive feedback loop, bettering employees and business while making
customers happier—or they can lead their business into a downward
spiral.
Social Networking Affects Brains Like Falling in Love
Neuroeconomist Paul Zak has discovered, for the first
time, that social networking triggers the release of the
generosity-trust chemical in our brains. And that should be a wake-up
call for every company.