January 16, 2012

The Neurobiology of Enchantment

One key tenant of enchantment is applying the power of unexpected positive surprises. Everyone likes unexpected positive surprises. There is a biological reason for it, like all human properties.

Reward Prediction Error (RPE) theory predicts that unexpected positive surprises are more rewarding than expected positive events. Think about wining the lottery vs. last week's paycheck, even if they are same monetary value. The underlying mechanism of this effect is the unique biology of dopamine. Dopamine is the stuff of addiction (e.g., casinos and the *caines). That addiction can be positive or negative.

Dopamine and enchantment are powerful stuff. Use them wisely.

By the way, Enchantment is Guy Kawakisi 's latest book. Check it out. I did from my local library.

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