Unmasking Our Mammalian Brain
The Hidden Drivers of Human Behavior
In our quest to understand human nature, we often turn to idealized notions of the past or romanticized views of the natural world. But what if the key to unlocking the mysteries of our behavior lies not in some lost golden age, but in the very structure of our brains?
Dr. Loretta Breuning's book "Why You're Unhappy, Biology vs. Politics" challenges the popular Rousseauian myth that animals and early human societies represent a more harmonious, peaceful existence we've somehow lost touch with. This idea, while comforting, may be overly simplistic and even naive.
The Mammalian Brain: Our Shared Heritage
The truth is, animals and hunter-gatherer societies are driven by the same competitive, self-centered, reward-seeking motivations that we experience in our modern lives. Understanding our mammalian brain – with all its quirks, drives, and neurochemical rewards – can provide valuable insights into why we behave the way we do, both as individuals and as societies.
This perspective invites us to reconsider many of our assumptions about human behavior and motivation. It's fascinating to see the contrast between what people claim motivates them and what might actually be happening neurochemically behind the scenes.
Neurochemistry: The Hidden Puppeteer
Let's explore some common human behaviors, their popular justifications, and the potential neurochemical motivators behind them:
Altruism and Charitable Giving
Common Belief: Pure selflessness
Neurochemical Reality: Dopamine release (feeling good), serotonin (social approval), oxytocin (sense of connection)
Political Ideologies
Common Belief: Rational analysis and societal concern
Neurochemical Reality: Oxytocin (belonging), serotonin (social status within a group)
Environmental Activism
Common Belief: Saving the planet
Neurochemical Reality: Dopamine (sense of purpose), oxytocin (social connection), serotonin (moral superiority)
Social Media Activism
Common Belief: Raising awareness
Neurochemical Reality: Serotonin (social approval), oxytocin (group connection)
Corporate Social Responsibility
Common Belief: Genuine societal concern
Neurochemical Reality: Dopamine rewards for executives through increased profits and improved company image
Education Systems
Common Belief: Learning and personal growth
Neurochemical Reality: Serotonin (status through ranking), dopamine (rewards)
Religious Devotion
Common Belief: Spiritual fulfillment
Neurochemical Reality: Oxytocin (belonging), serotonin (moral superiority), dopamine (promise of ultimate rewards)
Wealth Accumulation
Common Belief: Future security
Neurochemical Reality: Serotonin (status), dopamine (anticipation of rewards)
Political Leadership
Common Belief: Serving constituents
Neurochemical Reality: Serotonin (status), dopamine (power and control)
Social Justice Movements
Common Belief: Equality and fairness
Neurochemical Reality: Dopamine (sense of purpose), oxytocin (group belonging), serotonin (moral superiority)
Rethinking Our Motivations
These examples illustrate how our mammalian brain's reward-seeking nature often underlies behaviors and structures we attribute to higher motivations. Acknowledging these underlying drivers can lead to more honest self-assessment and potentially more effective social structures that align with our true neurochemical needs.
This isn't to say that our current societal structures are perfect – far from it. Humans have indeed gone to extreme lengths to dominate each other and our environment, often with devastating consequences. However, the solution isn't to idealize a past that never existed or to assume that our problems stem from losing touch with a more "natural" way of being.
The Path Forward
As we reflect on these insights, we're struck by how much of our behavior might be driven by unconscious neurochemical rewards. It makes us wonder: How might our personal relationships, professional lives, and societal structures change if we were more aware of these hidden motivators? Could this awareness lead to more authentic interactions and more fulfilling lives?
Understanding the neurochemical underpinnings of our behavior doesn't negate the importance of our conscious choices or the validity of our higher aspirations. Instead, it provides a more complete picture of the complex interplay between our evolved brain structures and our modern lives.
By recognizing the role our mammalian brain plays in shaping our motivations and actions, we can make more informed decisions about our personal habits, societal structures, and collective goals. This knowledge empowers us to work with our neurochemistry rather than against it, potentially leading to more effective and satisfying ways of organizing our lives and societies.
As we move forward, let's embrace this deeper understanding of our shared mammalian heritage. By doing so, we may find new ways to address age-old human challenges and create a world that better aligns with both our aspirations and our neurobiological reality.
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Loretta Graziano Breuning, Ph.D., is the founder and author who serves as Professor Emerita of Management at California State University. Through her experiences as both a teacher and a mother, she found herself questioning the prevailing theories of human motivation. Her curiosity led her to explore the brain chemistry of animals, and suddenly, everything began to make sense. Recognizing the potential of this information to benefit others, she dedicated herself to creating resources to share these insights. She is thrilled that her work has helped thousands of people.
