About Writers and their Neurochemistry
Underlying who we are, what we do and how we do it, is our neurochemistry. It makes for interesting cogitation (a big word for ‘reflection’ which I only recently learned) to analyse writers and their writing, based on two neurochemicals, dopamine and oxytocin.
Dopamine is the stuff underlying motivation, reward gratification, working memory (thought) and achievement. So the dopamine writer is one that derives reward gratification from the motivation to create something of value, then experiences the sense of achievement in the finished text. Thereafter comes the bigger dopamine kicker – the acknowledgement and praise by others - the accolades. So what I’ve written so far is a dopamine-driven piece. The dopamine surge will be completed if and when it’s ‘liked’ and appreciated. Thereafter the dopamine surge will drive me to repeat the process. Perhaps I’m adequately gratified just by creating the piece or perhaps I need the accolades. And if it’s for the accolades then maybe I’ll modify my style to suite the zeitgeist of the readership to get more accolades and gratification next time. But then there would be a potential threat to ultimate authenticity in this dopamine cycle.
And what of the oxytocin-driven writer? Oxytocin is secreted in association with empathy, sensitivity, gratitude, trust, belief and awe. And so the oxytocin writer produces a life narrative with the ingredients of these elements which we all share, but some writers are more versed in its expression than others. So the skilful oxytocin writer draws you into the narrative through resonation with the aforementioned elements. In so doing, your oxytocin levels rise through the triggering of your mirror neuron activity (don’t worry about this. I just put it in for completeness-sake!) ‘And there he was alone in the world. Around him, the devastation of what was. And it was at this low moment that ....’ Gotcha! Your oxytocin levels are bubbling in sympathy with the narrative.
The oxytocin writer derives dopamine gratification from creating the text as well as from the accolades. In addition however, the genuine oxytocin writer derives an oxytocin high from creating the good feeling of empathy, sensitivity, gratitude and awe in the readership. But oxytocin secretion and its reflective traits are contagious – it has a knock on effect. We all want to hug each other! Empathy and gratitude flow. It's a good thing - oxytocin promotes wellness. (For more on the wellness benefits of oxytocin, see https://www.bebee.com/producer/@ian-weinberg/evolution-and-empathy )
Maybe that’s why I appreciate beBee. It created space for us dopamine guys who have difficulty preparing the oxytocin stuff but who relish the great human oxytocin-driven posts written by the skilled, that regularly appear. Hell, I think I just wrote an oxytocin-promoting bit! Where there’s life there’s hope.
Copyright reserved - Ian Weinberg 2016
"
Articles from Ian Weinberg
View blogThe concept of self-actualization is used pretty loosely. Coined originally by Kurt Goldstein, the c ...
In this age of multiple human issues which have been so generously aired on the social media platfor ...
The ‘experts’ are in a modelling muddle. My response to this is one of empathy. You see, the ‘expert ...
Related professionals
You may be interested in these jobs
-
Creative Director
Found in: Talent ZA C2 - 3 days ago
Prodigious Sandton, South Africa Full timeJob Description · CREATIVE LEADERSHIP · Ability to provide visionary leadership for the local team, whilst upholding the Global standards of the central Strategic Business Unit. · Ensure consistency and creative excellence across all channels and touchpoints. · Develop and main ...
-
Relief Manager
Found in: Job Placements ZA C2 - 2 days ago
Profile Personnel East London, South AfricaWell established company based in South Africa are seeking a qualified and experienced applicant to join their dynamic team. · Applicant will oversee and manage various stores around their home based around East London/King Williams Town. · Experience and Qualification requiremen ...
-
Technical Specialist
Found in: Talent ZA C2 - 1 day ago
Hire Resolve Johannesburg, South Africa Full timeHire Resolve's client in the Environment and Sustainability industry, is currently seeking a Technical Specialist to join their team. This is a fantastic opportunity to work with a diverse range of clients and projects in the field of environment and sustainability. · The Technic ...
Comments
Ian Weinberg
6 years ago #9
Thanks for that Harvey.
Harvey Lloyd
6 years ago #8
Joyce 🐝 Bowen Brand Ambassador @ beBee
6 years ago #7
Javier Cámara-Rica 🐝🇪🇸
6 years ago #6
Lisa Gallagher
7 years ago #5
John White, MBA, I actually had to look at your profile because I thought someone was masquerading as you since you changed your photo haha. Love it.
Lisa Gallagher
7 years ago #4
John White, MBA
7 years ago #3
Kevin Pashuk
7 years ago #2
Randy Keho
7 years ago #1