The compass of pleasure : how our brains make fatty foods, orgasm, exercise, marijuana, generosity, vodka, learning, and gambling feel so good

A leading brain scientist?s look at the neurobiology of pleasure--and how pleasures can become addictions. Whether eating, taking drugs, engaging in sex, or doing good deeds, the pursuit of pleasure is a central drive of the human animal. Here, Johns Hopkins neuroscientist David J. Linden explains h...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Linden, David J. , 1961- (Author)
Format: Book
Language:English
Published: New York : Viking , c2011
Subjects:
Online Access:Contributor biographical information
Publisher description

MARC

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020 |a 0670022586 (hardback : alk. paper) 
020 |a 9780670022588 (hardback : alk. paper) 
050 0 0 |a QP401   |b .L56 2011 
090 0 0 |a QP401   |b .L56 2011 
100 1 |a Linden, David J. ,   |d 1961- ,   |e author 
245 1 4 |a The compass of pleasure :   |b how our brains make fatty foods, orgasm, exercise, marijuana, generosity, vodka, learning, and gambling feel so good   |c David J. Linden 
260 |a New York :   |b Viking ,   |c c2011 
300 |a 230 p. :   |b ill. ;   |c 24 cm. 
504 |a Includes bibliographical references (p. 199-220) and index 
505 0 |a 1. Mashing the pleasure button -- 2. Stoned again -- 3. Feed me -- 4. Your sexy brain -- 5. Gambling and other modern compulsions -- 6. Virtuous pleasures (and a little pain) -- 7. The future of pleasure 
520 |a A leading brain scientist?s look at the neurobiology of pleasure--and how pleasures can become addictions. Whether eating, taking drugs, engaging in sex, or doing good deeds, the pursuit of pleasure is a central drive of the human animal. Here, Johns Hopkins neuroscientist David J. Linden explains how pleasure affects us at the most fundamental level: in our brain. As he did in The Accidental Mind, Linden combines cutting-edge science with entertaining anecdotes to illuminate the source of the behaviors that can lead us to ecstasy but that can easily become compulsive. Why are drugs like nicotine and heroin addictive while LSD is not? Why has the search for safe appetite suppressants been such a disappointment? The Compass of Pleasure concludes with a provocative consideration of pleasure in the future, when it may be possible to activate our pleasure circuits at will and in entirely novel patterns.--From publisher description. 
650 0 |a Neuropsychology 
650 0 |a Pleasure   |x Physiological aspects 
650 1 2 |a Pleasure   |x physiology   |v Popular Works 
650 2 2 |a Neuropsychology   |v Popular Works 
856 4 2 |3 Contributor biographical information   |u http://www.loc.gov/catdir/enhancements/fy1114/2010035380-b.html 
856 4 2 |3 Publisher description   |u http://www.loc.gov/catdir/enhancements/fy1114/2010035380-d.html 
999 |a 1000139892   |b Book   |c OPEN SHELF (30 DAYS)   |e Gong Badak Campus