The Myth of Dopamine

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SOURCES
Sapolsky, R. M. (2017). Behave: the biology of humans at our best and worst. New York, New York, Penguin Press.
Clark L, Lawrence AJ, Astley-Jones F, Gray N. Gambling near-misses enhance motivation to gamble and recruit win-related brain circuitry. Neuron. 2009 Feb 12;61(3):481-90. doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2008.12.031. PMID: 19217383; PMCID: PMC2658737.
John P. O'Doherty, Peter Dayan, Karl Friston, Hugo Critchley, Raymond J. Dolan,
Temporal Difference Models and Reward-Related Learning in the Human Brain,
Neuron, Volume 38, Issue 2, 2003, Pages 329-337, ISSN 0896-6273,
doi.org/10.1016/S0896-6273(03....
iai.tv/articles/schopenhauer-....
www.theguardian.com/science/2...
www.health.harvard.edu/blog/d...

[@Sisyphus55]

Click the link or scan the QR code to start your 7-day free trial and get 25% off a premium membership: www.blinkist.com/sisyphus

[@skitzo1048]

how the fuck was this commented 46 minutes ago

[@elpatas8879]

If dopamine is the molecule of happiness, We don't really need endorfines, right? , right!? Hahahahaha Description of a meme in neurology be like:

[@Competitive_Antagonist]

The real thing appears to be the distinction between tonic and phasic dompamine. People who engage in a lot of instant gratification rely more on phasic dompamine than tonic dopamine. Like people who use caffeine to reduce their adenosine instead of making sure its naturally low during waking hours. The dopamine fast is really about reducing phasic dopamine so that tonic dopamine is elevated. This increase will be then used to motivate them to do healthy things like work out, cook more, or listen to podcasts.

[@Competitive_Antagonist]

This is the best use of philosophy. Use science to explain the problem and then seek solutions in philosophy that agrees with science.

[@shwoompLoomps]

Hey man. great video tnx. the ad vol was way higher then the rest of the vid

[@nnoodl7333]

It’s not about the destination, it’s about the dopamine we got along the way

[@crunchylettuce5446]

thank you

[@shadowling77777]

😎

[@dibsdibs3495]

This can be used in everything.

[@John-qn6ex]

But what is about about?

[@hermestrismegistus3417]

It’s all just dopamine in the wind my friends 😢

[@rainbowcloudss_]

"If being happy was easy, then everyone would be." WHAT A LINE.

[@i-love-comountains3850]

That's my reaction when people hit me with the "just change your perspective!" line! Like, no kidding, friend, I'd LOVE TO...

[@joet9207]

I'd say if being Happy is Hard, then why isn't everybody Sad.

[@masterofpureawesome]

Reminds me of “didya think” by Arlie

[@TPW13]

Also if humans were constantly happy and content we wouldn't bother doing anything like preparing a meal or going to work because we're already completely content.. we'd just sit around with a smile on our face until we die

[@encapsule2220]

happiness comes from overcoming hardship.

[@jorji6]

i recently went through a dopamine detox for about 2 weeks bc of personal reasons and all the cons said in the video are spot on. it takes what feels like more effort than before when trying to resist the temptation of going back into old habits. while the dopamine detox has allowed me to appreciate everything more than before and has helped me overcome obstacles, this idea of the modified version of the detox, to not just completely just deprive yourself of anything stimulating but to replace bad habits with new ones, is most likely a better alternative for the long run and i will definitely try it. o7 ironic timing of the video

[@Pensnmusic]

You can also modify the old habit. The replacement can be the same habit in a new form.

[@zeffery101]

I read the book atomic habits, and it basically said all habits are prompted by a cue and reward. And it listed many ways to basically get the reward feeling from habits you want to implement.

[@DR3ADNAU7Gaming]

Yes I'll take spot the elite Dangerous nerd in the wild for 5000

[@preyhd6864]

Dopamine needs like 6 months to get back to its natural State

[@Xanderqwerty123]

Habit replacement is the healthiest option.

[@noahhuelsman]

As a man who overcame addiction, I had to understand that replacing it with nothing would just leave me feeling so empty that I would be ripe for relapse. I had to replace it with healthy alternatives, and then I had results.

[@braindust7523]

Good advice, thanks

[@yt-sh]

what's a good alternative if you don't mind sharing?

[@connorguest8005]

@@yt-shGym works for me or any physical activity such as boxing, CrossFit, dancing whatever works for you. Also taking up a new hobby or simply going for a walk in new places or in nature are all good alternatives in my opinion

[@Thearabphantom]

HOW? find underlying issues that made you addicted , mine was social alienation. solve the underlying issue ; my solution was becoming religious to feel a sense of love and belonging. then stop the addiction while replacing it with something less harmful ; from cigarette to binge watching. later on i am planing to switch from social media to reading books. its good to keep in mind the addiction's period in your day, if it took a big part of your day, the replacement should take the same time or so. for example the GYM couldn't do it for me since it only took 2h of my day while i was smoking all day long.

[@Thearabphantom]

@@connorguest8005 HOW? find underlying issues that made you addicted , mine was social alienation. solve the underlying issue ; my solution was becoming religious to feel a sense of love and belonging. then stop the addiction while replacing it with something less harmful ; from cigarette to binge watching. later on i am planing to switch from social media to reading books. its good to keep in mind the addiction's period in your day, if it took a big part of your day, the replacement should take the same time or so. for example the GYM couldn't do it for me since it only took 2h of my day while i was smoking all day long.

[@greyboi9550]

I know when I see a new Sisyphus55 upload I get a rush of dopamine

[@cassiusdhami9215]

👍🏾😆😅😂🤣👏🏾

[@Garlic_Bread69]

No you get a rush of dopamine in the anticipation of Sisyphus55 uploading

[@loganpinzon4539]

@@Garlic_Bread69 No you get a rush of dopamine in the expectation that comes with a Sidyphus55 upload

[@dane1382]

@@Garlic_Bread69 no he gets a rush of dopamine upon seeing the thumbnail or notification, anticipating how fun actually watching the video will be

[@ScuffedLife]

I am just happy to be here

[@gabeisawesome879]

As someone who's had a particularly challenging experience with ADHD, this is spot on. It's not about pleasure, it's about the motivation to pursue a path to a desired end. Until I started taking Adderall, I literally had to shame, coerce, hate, and punish myself relentlessly to get any task done that wasn't incredibly quick reward for very little effort. You can imagine all the maladaptive coping mechanisms that emerge from such a conundrum. Consider this a PSA for anyone that has or thinks they might have ADHD. Adderall (and learning about my brain) has helped me a lot. With Adderall, I'm not magically fixed, though. Using a car as analogy for my brain, imagine a car with a very small gas tank, a loose steering wheel, a fast engine, and weak brakes. My brain/car has developed a very fast engine and weak brakes to cope with this low fuel supply so I can hopefully get up to speed and use the momentum to coast to my destination. Adderall is like temporarily upgrading to a regular-sized gas tank and tightening the loose steering wheel. However, the brakes aren't fixed and, unlike everyone else that's developed it over their lives, I don't have power steering so I really have to YANK on the wheel to turn. So, when on Adderall, I have to be very cautious and intentional with what I choose to spend my time on. I have to make sure I take time to transition between tasks. Otherwise, I'll keep going one direction until the gas runs out. But, overall, my brain is still better at getting me to important destinations with it than it is without it. I hope that made even a little sense to some of you lol.

[@digitalbrentable]

Love the car analogy. Here's mine: I've got a battered old land rover that for a long time I and others thought was an unreliable heap of junk, but sometimes it'd perform excellently so people wouldn't accept me blaming the car when things went wrong. Turns out they were kinda right, like the car was the cause of a lot of the problems but its not actually crappy car, I just wasn't using it optimally. First of all, this is a four wheel drive adventure vehicle, not a commuter. You can take it on the highway, sure, but its not as fuel efficient and demands more care and maintenance; it doesnt fit in carparks so easily, it's not exactly a quiet and smooth ride, spare parts aren't always available, the wheels are big so god help you if you need a spare tyre (protip, literally bolt one on tge front and one on the back and bring em everywhere you go). Oh and its got this weird second little gearstick that most otger drivers are unfamiliar with (even well intended advice is often unhelpful or even harmful). You kinda need to learn how to work on your engine to periodically tweak things, swap out filters, change the oil (oh yeah don't use normal motor oil), even the odd overhaul. The sooner you catch these things the better, so you need to drive in a totally different way, constantly mindful of how the car is running, any weird sounds (some are ok, which complicates things), and ideally forming habits to check various things even when nothing seems wrong. Getting in touch with a specialist mechanic or garage helps tremendously too. Sounds like a huge hassle, and it is, but you know what? It can drive over mountains and through rivers! Now that Ive learned how to better naintain and operate it, and understand its strengths and weaknesses, I love my land rover. Its not suited to certain kinds of driving, but that's ok. I personally switched up my job so I didnt have to commute and park in tight spaces which has also helped me love my car, but I know not everyone can do that. But even if you find yourself commuting in a semitrailer or haulong in a sports car, just know that your car isnt crappy (actually impressive that youre making it work outside of it's strengths) Happy driving everyone!

[@Amarytha]

@digitalbrentable @gabeisawesome879 These were both some really great analogies!! Very relatable

[@kaan-kaant]

I've got ADHD too and I'm experimenting starting on dexamphetamine (Adderall) at the moment. Honestly I've never functioned better, I focus better at work, when I get home I can do the chores that I know I need to do, and then spend time on writing and gardening without getting distracted. Personally I think the dosages of Adderall in the US are kind of insane though. Ive been taking half a pill once a day which is 2.5mg, whereas I think that in the US the standard capsule dosage can be something like 30mg.

[@c.dl.4274]

Adrenaline plays a bigger role for ADHD then Dopamine does. The over use of dopamine as the cause and panacea to all problems is pure bro science. If dopamine played as big a role on motivation and keeping ADHD people focused everyone with ADHD would be getting prescribed anti depressants. They aren't They're getting prescribed stimulants

[@Amarytha]

@@c.dl.4274 What? Please look at the definition of Norepinephrine/Dopamine Reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs/DRIs). Buproprion (Wellbutrin) is currently the only NDRI in the US perscribed for depression, and its effects on dopamine are weak. It’s wikipedia page specifically has a paragraph about ADHD as well, and that it MAY be effective for ADHD, but clinical trials were low quality and have an onset times of weeks for therapeutic benefit, in comparison to stimulants. It may be compared with Strattera. Antidepressants are mainly SSRIs (Serotonin reuptake inhibitors), and clinical depression should always be treated before ADHD Dopamine is a precursor to Norepinephrine/Adrenaline and their function overlaps, but they don’t act identical. They can absolutely synergize, whats best for a person needs to be evaluated on an individual level.

[@derekakers652]

Dopamine- the “edging” molecule

[@nuckels188]

The only way sapolsky could possibly know these things about dopaine is through self experimentation with adderall and pornhub

[@Thehuman-it3oz]

Dopagoon

[@edgarmoore4317]

Philosophical brain rot, I love it

[@johnthegreat97]

You really hit the nail on the head with this one Sisyphus. I personally am on a journey or changing what I derive dopamine from. Instead of eating out, I'm trying to find the joy in meal prepping. I always hated cooking but being able to cook once a week and be done with it is actually somehow really fun and rewarding. I always hated running, but following a regiment has really helped me get into it. Though the activation energy was a bit high, after I started, I kinda fell in love with it and it feels rather intoxicating when i reach a goal. It is about changing what makes you feel good, not just stopping yourself from feeling good.

[@Pensnmusic]

Dopamine isn't the thing that feels good. That's why the input energy was high. Dopamine, in this discussion, is the habit forming chemical. If you already have a bad habit dopamine isn't what you're chasing anymore. A lack of dopamine results in disregulation of habit formation, among other things (like executive function and emotion control) A chronic lack of dopamine is thought to be one of the causal factors of ADHD. The fundamental brain structures don't produce or signal dopamine correctly leading to all sorts of negative outcomes.

[@DjKryx]

Your partner is not gouing to like the fact you stopped eating out hehe

[@icebreaker9006]

TURN TO THE LORD JESUS CHRIST BEFORE ITS TOO LATE, GIVE YOUR LIFE TO HIM AND START WALKING IN OBEDIENCE, WITHSTANDING FROM ALL SIN AND WICKEDNESS, JESUS SAID THE PATH TO HEAVEN IS HARD AND NARROW, AND FEW FIND IT. MATTHEW 7:13-14, HEBREWS 5:9, JOHN 14:15, MATTHEW 7:21-26, 1ST CORINTHIANS 6:9-10, JOHN 3:16-21, JOHN 10:7-8, MATTHEW 10:26, AND LUKE 13:5. GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

[@oswalddupree6064]

"Touch Grass" ~Nietzsche

[@momchi98]

I am not going to comment specifically about dopamine, but my problem with happiness in life is that even when I found my career passion in life, physics, it just continued getting harder and harder and no matter how much I learned and grew it was never enough, when I was little finishing high school felt like it would be a big deal, it wasn't, then a bachelor felt prestigeous, it wasn't. Now I have yet to finish my master's and yet from working in a scientific institute for a couple of months I see that not even a goddamn PhD means all that much. This just feels like it plucks at my enjoyment of science and that I am stuck, since I know only things related to physics (any type of physics really) would bring me any joy as a career, yet that has few job prospects and absurd demands, but other careers wouldn't be easier since I wouldn't have the passion to study them well and it will take even more of my time being alive to respecialise. I understand my problem is that I think of happiness and satisfaction as an end goal, where I am "good enough" and won't feel pressured into continuing the rat race, I will make enough money, do good enough work and just be content and free to do other stuff. But this isn't how the world works, it's about competition and as long as there are people deeper into science doing greater things, then the institute and educational facilities will continue wanting more. I should be happy with the journey of growing and being more educated, but that started to fade after 2nd year in uni when studying stopped being a fun activity that engages my brain and I feel smart for understanding "complex" topics relatively quickly. Quantum mechanics was weird, but with a few years I got the hang of the ideas somewhat (there is always some uncertainty, lol) and it became one of my favorite fields, but then quantum field theory and general relativity just kicked my ass. That was kinda fun, but also so torturous. And I knew that even if I learned them, that that is old physics still and I would not be done. I just want my hard work to pay off already, I want to enjoy life, not feel forced to be more, do better, keep pushing. I want the journey to end already! And I am 24, still young to be thinking such things, I have no idea what the future holds for me, these past 6 years changed my perspective on life in really negative ways. To anyone who read it all, thank you for putting up with my venting!

[@felixbramsved]

Of course I read it all, this is a video encouraging delayed gratification after all! I have days when I feel the same, outcompeted or even late to the race. It’s the biggest dose of existential dread I can get on a weekly basis. I don’t have any encouraging words to pass to end on, reading you words is all the comfort I can give. Wish you all the best!

[@Laotzu.Goldbug]

The real secret is to identify not with the goal but with the struggle. if you were truly aligned with an internal truth the fact that it was getting harder would actually make you very happy. The fact that you want the journey to end means that ultimately you are only ever in love with the image of what you wanted, physics or something else, and never truly identified with the process. this is because you desired comfort rather than excellence.

[@diegoarteaga1822]

Journey before destination. I think happiness lies in enjoying the day to day mundane things, the process, the journey; not really in achieving any goals. Because goals always fade away once you reach them, and after that you just go chase another one. Instead, we should fall in love with what we do to reach those goals, the journey.

[@momchi98]

@@Laotzu.Goldbug Well, I think you are right, I did just want to become someone with a passion and then be free. And I did like the process at one point in my life, but I cannot be happy that it keeps getting harder, there is nothing in the world which makes me glad just keeps indefinitely getting more difficult. Difficulty is only enjoyable in overcoming it, but there is a limit for me, I can't just want to continue being greater, that gives me no joy or meaning. No, I don't strive for excellence, but for enjoyment and I thought I could both enjoy myself and be productive if I worked at my passion. Guess life really isn't all that more than just suffering and increasing demands.

[@momchi98]

@@diegoarteaga1822 I know, I even mentioned I know this in my comment. But I can't, I am trying every day, but so far to no success. I am continuously learning more, being better and instead of feeling happy about that I feel dread, that I don't like the process and that it will never end until death.

[@jeethathiwala216]

"a relationship is the price you pay for the anticipation of it", blew my mind

[@uydagcusdgfughfgsfggsifg753]

8:35 So true - Near the end of my partying days, I noticed the ritual of chopping up lines and such was much more fun than the actual effects following insufflation

[@rickwrites2612]

Same thing with IV use! when I first went on methadone I injected it, even though it didn't give me a rush, because I got such a rush just from seeing the blood fill the syringe and watching the injection and feeling it go up my arm. After i was med free if i felt like i was in real danger of using, I would shoot saline or bottled water instead and that would be enough to stop me from going to cop dope.

[@bryandraughn9830]

I remember you ritual types. Used to aggravate me to no end. 😊 I was like "are you gonna get high or what?!?!"😅

[@usernametaken017]

The drug equivalent of foreplay

[@kvlt22]

You have been killing it lately man, keep it up! This channel has had a profound effect on my life. Thank you for doing what you do and sharing such valuable knowledge with us.

[@icebreaker9006]

TURN TO THE LORD JESUS CHRIST BEFORE ITS TOO LATE, GIVE YOUR LIFE TO HIM AND START WALKING IN OBEDIENCE, WITHSTANDING FROM ALL SIN AND WICKEDNESS, JESUS SAID THE PATH TO HEAVEN IS HARD AND NARROW, AND FEW FIND IT. MATTHEW 7:13-14, HEBREWS 5:9, JOHN 14:15, MATTHEW 7:21-26, 1ST CORINTHIANS 6:9-10, JOHN 3:16-21, JOHN 10:7-8, MATTHEW 10:26, AND LUKE 13:5. GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

[@jakebarton4325]

@@icebreaker9006 girrrrrllll, u crazy

[@Opalmiller19]

First donation comment I’ve seen what when did they add that???

[@buckets3628]

@@icebreaker9006 Jesus is a meany pants

[@nicketaevani-fzukunf007]

I just learned this the other day. Dopamine is not the problem. The problem is our perception of what the rewards are. If you see drinking alcohol is as rewarding as not drinking, you won't get addicted. But of course, this is hard to master since life gives a lot of distractions ,boredom, emotional pain, ignorant, etc.

[@lifewasgiventous1614]

I'm not sure you can out perspective being drunk and what it does to you physiologically.

[@outlander234]

Who said its bad? Overstimulating release of it in the brain is bad because its not sustainable and you have to come down. You gotta master the cycle of delaying dopamine release until its deserved and then back into deprivation/work mode.

[@limazulu6192]

​​@@lifewasgiventous1614 you say that but as someone who didn't grow up around alcohol i am not really drawn to it nor do i ever feel particularly better intoxicated. If anything it just renders annoyances ineffectual. I.e. i feel better drunk around other drunk people because i don't register anything obnoxious anymore but i myself could go a life time without it and don't need it to have fun or let go at parties. The only reason i drink is for social purposes.

[@jddjdjsjjssjsjsjs]

@@limazulu6192 For an addict is more like a illness where you brain simply doesnt work without it.. (anything you could think), like a person who needs to drink for enjoy an experience or feel "normal" again.

[@JustRideTheVibe]

The irony of a video about the nuances of dopamine being sponsored by a company that takes practically all of the time and effort out of reading and turns it into yet another activity of near instant-gratification, is not lost on me.

[@punkgrl325]

Yes, I saw this video as contributing more to the problem than the solution lol. Watching 12 min of a video of a guy condensing and oversimplifying the complex processes of our neurotransmitters and the chemical largely responsible for overall regulation of that system, only to directly plug a service that further worsens that problem 😂

[@serialistic4321]

@@punkgrl325 at the end of the day he's just trying to make a little money off of the videos that look like could take a while to produce. Nothing wrong with that. It's all in YOUR control, no one elses.

[@KennyAMT]

guys, Sisyphus needs to eat too hahah

[@alshahriar6230]

I don`t see the problem. i can take a jog and learn something without reading at the same time and read something with passion later.

[@c.dl.4274]

Don't underestimate the role of adrenaline to get someone stimulated enough to perform a task

[@Neotenico]

It's really uncanny that this was the exact process I worked myself through in therapy for my ADHD, largely independent of any resources other than my own introspection and the gentle guidance of my counselor. Rather than remove myself entirely from my more addictive, instantly gratifying hobbies and habits and forcing myself to do the unpleasant "chores" that I avoid at all costs, I've instead been slowly redefining and internalizing the things that give me a greater sense of contentment. Over the past couple months, I've found myself less and less inclined to play video games and more inclined to clean and decorate my apartment. Less inclined to order takeout and more inclined to cook. And most of all, less inclined to drink myself to sleep and more inclined to call it a night and lie down so that I can wake up the next day feeling good. The things that were once chores are now more enjoyable pieces of what I generally call "having my shit together," the progress towards which is the most gratifying state of mind and being I've found so far in almost 27 years.

[@cclearyt]

NeoTenic! That's so awesome to hear! Could you please share about the process of "redefining and internalizing"? What does that mean? Is it changing the perspective/perception of things by the process of introspection and questioning?

[@imetmikemo182]

Low Hum - _I Don't Know Me Like You Do_

[@MaladyKayjo]

For me, I just refuse to let myself lose the simple pleasures. Life can be miserable. that’s kind of unavoidable. Life is inherently tragic after all, tragedy does not exist without its opposite of pleasure and joy. The way I make it through this cold, frigid world it is by holding onto the little pleasures that I can get. This world is a world of ice, but the little bit of warmth that I can create through a controlled flame of pleasure that I get from for example taking a walk outside and hearing the birds chirp, or seeing myself in the mirror, and feeling euphoric about my womanhood, or any other small pleasure. Happiness is not a goal, if you treated as a goal, you will never achieve it as there is no point where you are finally living a happy life. Happiness is the small moments it’s building a flame to survive a world of ice. I am happy. I will never be satisfied, but I am happy because I never seeked to be satisfied. I seek to get the little joys that I could and hold onto them. My advice is basically live for the small pleasures,Not the massive ones. The big ones are nice, but if you become reliant on them, you are dooming yourself for disappointment. As they say the flame that burns twice as bright burns, only half as long. Happiness is not about A big achievement Happiness based on A big achievement will only last you a short amount of time. Happiness based off the small little things that you can achieve every day that you put more focus into and seeing the beauty of this world can fuel your flame for a long time.

[@MrCreeper20k]

Beautiful statement. Makes me feel more hopeful I can continue tending to my flame consistently :)

[@donotperceiveme]

this just put everything into perspective finally, thank you lol

[@sethiddings7293]

You don't have to give up simple pleasures, but when we manufacture life around these things, it becomes a problem. Difference between "Coffee sounds good today" and "If i don't get my coffee i go apeshit on everyone" both enjoy coffee which is fine. But you cross over what i like to call the Soviet Russia line. All the sudden you don't enjoy the coffee, the coffee enjoys you! haha long as you don't let things have you, you're probably fine enjoying whatever you like. If they do have you, then giving them up will make you happier and able to enjoy them again. Things we enjoy make excellent employees but terrible bosses.

[@donotperceiveme]

@@sethiddings7293 yes you are right about the pitfalls of taking comfort in routine and stability. it is important to be able to find beauty in any circumstances you’re in and knowing nothing is permanent and everything will pass eventually, so do not get overly attached. Like you said balance is important because being detached to the point of apathy is also detrimental to your being at peace

[@Jackson-pn4pn]

Man, I dont know who you are, what your life is like, or even what your name is. I’ve been watching your videos since I was in high school and all the while you’ve continued to make videos that pull me out of my head and allow me to see the world with more objectivity and graciousness. Thank you for remaining a steadfast inspiration and exposing me to the ideas and philosophies that have shaped my adolescence and young adulthood. Im proud to see the community of people in touch with themselves and the world around them that you have fostered. It gives me hope.

[@ATragedyPoetic]

Ya

[@LivingNexus]

The problem I have with people who say "it's the journey, not the destination" is that the journey always sucks. If your life is filled with great friends and interesting people who can make your 'journey' enjoyable no matter what, then I'm really happy for you. But the 'journey' to acquiring a good friend literally takes value away from my life if it doesn't result in acquiring that friend, because those are hours and calories I could have spent acquiring a skill or making money, two things I really need to do. Hell, it would have even been better spent playing a video game, because at least I am having a good time and keeping my mind sharp. And even if I do gain a friend, how long will that friendship last? I don't think I've had one that lasted more than two years. As someone with chronic fatigue, I don't have hours and days to waste on things that don't pay off. I don't have the energy for it. So to me, telling others to "enjoy the journey" always seems like it comes from a very privileged position. If you have the energy to do everything that you need to do, and all your needs are already taken care of, and you have extra to pursue whatever you want, then of course it's no big deal to you if that energy gets wasted. It's no big deal if the journey has no payoff, because you're not going to be any worse off at the end of it. That's why that advice always rubbed me the wrong way, even if it's technically the right thing to do for most people, who tend to hyperfixate on a specific result and fail to appreciate what's right in front of them.

[@punkgrl325]

I usually only ever hear that saying used when it comes to learning a new hobby or skill, in which case I do agree. It’s definitely more about the journey than the end (because there technically is no end in that case).

[@miguelchicanotitan6497]

You just debunked the whole self improvement industry

[@thatoneguy12ize]

It's not about making friends it's using the limited time to do things that make life worth while for you obviously it's doing logical and necessary advancement and that's fine all the same

[@Astroqualia]

Spot on

[@jayocaine2946]

Ah CFS, the new fybromyalgia lol

[@niekschilperoord1640]

While not officially diagnosed, I struggle with porn addiction or have addictive tendencies. Indeed, it’s not a problem to deprive myself from any joy/dopamine releasing activities, the difficulty lies in doing stuff i’m not used to doing to replace watching porn, like reading a book, working out or learning a new hobby. I have my periods where I don’t feel the need to watch porn at all, but sometimes I find myself in the deep end. Progress is not linear I understand, and I notice it’s getting better and I feel gradually more in control, but my biggest obstacle remains replacing short term gratification/anticipation excitement with the examples I mentioned. Here’s to everyone struggling with some kind of addiction, we’ll make it. 🥰

[@vladislav839]

I understand your struggles and have a similar tendency to fall into bad habits. I also recently realized that porn is the big one for me, especially when I'm bored, lonely, and tired. I don't think that replacing bad habits with a new "healthy" activity is a good strategy all along. Maybe it works in the beginning, like a distraction. But in the long run dunno. There are exception to this of course, for example social activities. At the same time traveling can become compulsive. We all kinda feel when our habits slide into suffering and when this happens realization is good. Metacognition allows us to accept the fact, pardon ourselves, and try to do out best not to continue the struggle. I feel for myself that not doing is the way out. The cravings are unpleasant but it's ok to just accept them, and boredom too. ✊

[@harox77]

I'm in the same boat as you. I honestly have no idea how to fix this addiction of mine.

[@niekschilperoord1640]

@@harox77 Trying is part of the healing proces! Don’t give up. What helped greatly for me is speaking with someone professionally about it, purely confidential too. We could also chat together and share experiences? Having an active social life while speaking to someone is a great tool to combat the addiction

[@niekschilperoord1640]

@@vladislav839 For sure, whatever works best for someone is the way to go. When I tried to simply deprive myself of it, I found myself bypassing it via using a phone or something, so it did not really work. What works best for me is having a structured day to day life and active social life while at the same time speaking with someone about my troubles. Although I’m currently in a dip again… but it will be fine

[@thewayofway1]

I struggle with the same addiction and keep failing when mindlessly on my phone or bored. I’d be down to share my experiences. Sometimes you need other people to help you accountable and beat addiction.

[@haidiwu7968]

omg so maybe THATs why i get so swept up sometimes in the urge to pursue a creative idea or stay up late trying to learn something deliciously frustrating yet doable, because my brain is fuelled by dopamine in anticipation of the rewarding feeling of having completed it, and why i need deadline stress to feel like myself, and yet its hard to motivate myself when most of a task is ahead of me because the end is too far for me to visualize the reward of being done but i work much faster as the end approaches, and why it’s so hard to motivate myself to do day to day things in the absence of excitement and burnout inducing things in my life, because nothing feels rewarding enough if it isn’t challenging in some way and i need to anticipate a nonguaranteed reward (so not one i promise myself but something i really need to earn or gamble for) in order to get the motivation chemicals

[@Amarytha]

peak adhd mood 😭

[@crawdad6354]

Peak closeted adhd moment.

[@patrikcath1025]

Gotta love getting a sponsor on a serious video like this that talks about paying for a service to be happy.

[@vickysmashesyouwithahammer]

thank you for bringing this to the public!! i'm a psych student as well and i've been telling all my friends about this, it's really important info imo. you always deliver :)

[@masterzoroark6664]

This is certainly one of these infuriating things about current human society. The fact that knowledge about new things, such as scientific discovery of dopamine, isn't used for purposes of knowing how humans work and understanding each other better- instead it's used as a scapegoat to not adress societall problems Like blaming just one chemical in human brain for both depression and addiction- when these aren't done by the chemical alone, but are mostly caused by outside pressure and deficiencies. It's the whole bullshit ideology of "You and only you are at the root of all of your problems" that many use to avoid adressing problems that are not just caused by singular self or wouldn't happen if a person X wasn't involved. It's not a want for a hive mind, mind that, it's a call for people to finally use society as society, not as "just means to an end"

[@sulfreez]

You alone cannot change others but free to change yourself, therefore it's more productive to accept the responsibility for your life.

[@trenhen4311]

People don’t want to hear this though. Although what u said is largely true a person would much rather hear “you are the problem u have the power to fix it” as opposed to “you are inherently kinda fucked due to things outside of your control”. Also This narrative of “it’s all within your control is a product the self help/self improvement industry. This industry is absolutely massive and it only works because people are sold the idea that they can fix it all. Which is somewhat true I mean obviously developing good habits certainly helps. I don’t know where I’d be without the gym Lmao. But it is undeniable that a lot of the root causes of these issues come from the way society is setup.

[@livelarge2452]

@@trenhen4311 you can thank the liberals for that. They turned society on it’s head in 2012 and we are still working through it.

[@trenhen4311]

@@livelarge2452 uhhhh

[@peaceking7526]

Based🖤

[@sjbechet1111]

Alan Watts popularization of Eastern Philosophy clearly points this out in his application of Buddhist teachings - Life is not a journey - it is a dance. Most are trapped in the idea that the purpose is to get to the end of it. Life is a dance and you don't dance to get to the end of the song.

[@alexxx4434]

I think dopamine detox is not about lowering it, but returning sensitivity to it.

[@corncobjohnsonreal]

I think you want to sound smart, not actually say anything worthwhile lol.

[@alexxx4434]

@@corncobjohnsonreal You think wrong. And it shows you know nothing about dopamine system. Dopamine receptor's sensitivity is a real thing. Educate yourself.

[@corncobjohnsonreal]

@@alexxx4434 no like lol I believe you bro trust me I BELIEVE you man, but your one sentence of truth is like wonder woman's lasso in that it is just a true statement and doesn't contain any value to the words behind it because like you don't elaborate at all what you mean. I believe you bro you have to trust me I believe you but like you could have said "the large hadron collider is about smashing a particle not about creating black holes or Mandela effects" and like yeah I believe that too but how does it fix my dopamine level without subsequent information you know what I mean idk how to remove my dopamine and make it sensitive like a fresh dogs beat red rocket like give me the secret

[@rinkokonoe8644]

@alexxx4434 I think he just meant your comment was sort of redundant. When you said "not about lowering it" that's very vague wording. In the context of this video, "it" would be referring to one's dopamine tolerance. So "lowering it" would refer to lowering one's dopamine tolerance, which is the inverse of raising dopamine sensitivity, or exactly what you already stated in the next part of your sentence.

[@alexxx4434]

@@rinkokonoe8644 Besides sensitivity of the receptors, there is actual dopamine being produced. And there are ways to trick the brain to produce it cheaply, with modern distractions like gaming, social media, etc. But the dopamine system is self regulating: if there is a lot of dopamine the receptors gradually reduce sensitivity to it. This also works the other way. Hence my original comment meaning was, that the goal of dopamine detox was not to JUST to lower dopamine (as I heard in the video), but to gradually return sensitivity of the dopamine receptors by cutting the sources of cheap dopamine, so that normal everyday activities become more enjoyable.

[@F1R3S74R73R]

The way you characterise dopamine detoxing shows a very revealing light on that you are not the type person that needs, or even capable to understand the benefits of, dopamine detoxing

[@someguy2135]

During the lock down, I replaced my socializing with exercise, and enjoying my back yard as well as trips to secluded areas to enjoy nature. It was a great way to break out of my old habits and helped me to appreciate lower stimulation activities.

[@dopamineinaformofashort]

No one said you have to abandone socializing to do a dopamine detox, talking to people is a good habit.

[@asticlol]

This video really came at the perfect time and hit every note I needed to hear. Of late my academic performance has been suffering in chase of these "dopamine hits". Where I do nothing but play video games and only eat what makes me happy. It's also funny that only recently I had come to realise the "intermittent reinforcement" part of this video is very important. While my academics have been suffering, I have been going to the gym consistently, and while my body hasn't reached where I would like it to, I definitely see improvements. The same can be applied to academics in the sense that the greater the delay the greater the satisfaction, the more I study the better marks ill get. I appreciate this video a lot Sisyphus, thank you. I will be sharing this with everyone I can.

[@Hud_Dollaz]

I relate to your comment deeply, well said.

[@starmorpheus]

Exactly. I go through these bouts of hyperfixation as well to compensate for poor performance in one or two areas in my life. It always felt like I couldn't be good at two things at once. One hobby or responsibility has to be deteriorating, while another flourished. I wish I knew then what I know now. Too bad every failing student is simply told the "Just apply yourself speech" rather than actionable tools.

[@smithsfan01]

your videos are so beautifully made and this is the longest ive gone watching a youtube video for MONTHS without going on my phone. your animations are captivating and your voice is soo nice thank you for making these videos!!

[@reffa2858]

My dopamine hits after all my bills are paid, I mow my lawn,(which are things I hate!) But then I sit down and I see how comfortable and presentable my house is because of my hard work, and thats when I feel this satisfaction. It doesnt last long but man it feels really good for about an hour.

[@shnpio]

Needed this recently helped me understand a lot about some barriers I have with my creative process surprisingly. Thank you

[@parnika4727]

poor dopamine causes me to watch sisyphus 55 videos all day, everyday.

[@dddmmi]

knowing that everyone is unhappy, makes me think that I really don't have any reason to feel sorry for myself

[@markcabrera4148]

“rather than deprive ourselves of that which makes us happy, we should instead take-on the more arduous task of redefining the things that makes us happy” I fully agree, depriving ourselves doesn’t solve the root of the problem. Self-reflection, evaluation, & re-directing our actions & focus towards what we truly value is a much better way. At least, that’s what I believe Love everything & whatever you post man, always interesting to watch ❤

[@VinodKumar-xc9kx]

Gold mine, Watching it repeatedly and learning something new every time or unlearning some flawed lessons. Thank you.

[@marcikraus3726]

Its so crazy, my youtube algorythm is just presenting me banger videos like this one all the time, answering my unspoken question. Thanks for ur great video!

[@pryingaa]

This is your best video yet. Thank you.

[@michaelp.4890]

Thank you so much! I was thinking about this topic these days after seeing people on comment sections trying to explain everything in terms of dopamine responses. This oversimplification is like another revolution of behaviorism - only this time it's happening online. I hope this video will serve to stop this misconception.

[@limitisillusion7]

Spend a lot of time depressed and I kinda came to this conclusion on my own. It's hard to look back at a decade or 5 and still yearn for happiness. At some point it becomes necessary for you to accept the fact that whatever happiness you do ultimately experience in life, you've already experienced a portion of it. That implies that the portion of the journey you've already completed was part of the total reward, rather than purely the struggle toward some reward you've yet to receive. It tempers your expectations a bit, but also teachers you to live more in the moment.

[@domainofscience]

Very good!!

[@POTENTIAL-2024]

*W* channel!

[@winslowgordon2396]

Your research is on point! As always

[@gljames24]

Fun Fact: Dopamine is what is responsible for lengthing the eyes during adolescence. Sunlight can help moderate or reduce the amount of dopamine in your eyes to keep them from growing too long. If your eyes grow too oblong, it causes myopia (nearsightedness) as the optics aren't quite right. Your body likes to use the same ~5 neurochemicals for a plethora of different functions and systems which is why medication is so complicated.

[@gnatdagnat]

Dude this makes neurology make a whole lot more sense LOL The body is economical with its chemistry. We didn't get here because having a ton of precise knobs to tweak was advantageous, it's not. So developing our technologies is a bit more complicated than that

[@Neb-zb2sw]

Thank you for another amazing video! I love your insights

[@DrFixer-bg2vr]

Another sobering and educational video, well done Sir

[@kuzster9610]

Thank you sir, your video gave me the anticipatory dopamine I was looking for scrolling KZbin. Now I will go off to find more in the hell pit that is online games

[@Major_Schwartz]

Sisyphus, this is one of your best videos. Well done mate 👏

[@loljoker127]

soo goddamn good, i appreciate you so much pls never stop your great workk

[@tmolyneux]

This is the best video I have watched on dopamine, tons of misinformation out there about it! Thank you!!

[@yomamma1358]

You could say something about the act of reciving gifts. I dont look back at the actual presents i gor with happiness but the anticipation before i got them as the true source of the happiness i get from recicing presents

[@ChocolateMilkCultLeader]

You're doing some great work with these videos

[@AdamBorseti]

This video was really well done and an eye-opener for me in some key areas.

[@jamieslacks]

I’m vibin with the little dopamine ‘D’ character

[@jamesfennell409]

Splendid video dear Sisyphus

[@tariqdanzig3621]

Its a total contradiction, that the work done to achieve something brings happiness or contentment rather than the thing itself, as an artist, i often stop caring about my work the moment it is finished, and i miss being able to work on it. In terms of my personal life, i find that despite the fact that i may be hungry and the food i want to prep will take a moment, i find that while prepping food, i feel better, just knowing im going to get what i want. It feels like a paradox, but in a good way.

[@magma_fire_bagwan]

Fantastic video, per usual!

[@alvarolopez4311]

I love the illustrations!

[@DatOneGuy]

This is the best video on dopamine that I’ve ever seen

[@blouburkette]

Keep pushing that boulder man, it's working for you. Another banger from the Sis.

[@abrahamben-dayan9843]

Read your comment on another thread about deleting off social media and investing in meditation andd other habits. It just hasnt been easy to stay at those habits lately. I just feel as If I relate to your mindset at this current time. Want to be friends? Ill give you my email.

[@Dave-dm3wy]

Many thanks, Sussyphus.

[@nocantry]

Bless your soul bruh. Your voice is a staple in my head now lol.

[@vladyslavanufriiev1224]

its good to see actual research on topic, rather than regurgitated info over and over. Kudos to author

[@ekner]

I've had this itch about Dopamine's portrayal in everyday language ever since I watched Sapolsky's lectures, but haven't wrapped my head around it fully yet. I even catch myself using Dopamine in the "pleasure" sense of the word, and have begun accepting it as an unfortunate quirk of the culture for now. Now I have another piece of the puzzle though. It's not only about anticipation - it's about the confidence in your own ability to reach a given reward. Super interesting, thanks for making the video!

[@LowestofheDead]

So "Expectation" is a better word, surely?

[@kweenofstreams5477]

This is the first KZbin channel where the comments are just as amazing as the content 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@puglifeforever8345]

Everyone at any point could choose to be happy they’d either don’t know how or don’t want to be happy

[@timmyjimmy7413]

I sat through the sponsorship, which I don't do often. I sat through it because of the music. Good job.

[@zachritz1506]

the animation on this video is absolutely fantastic

[@rawr333r]

This video was literally genius. Just subscribed!

[@milkomeme]

Watching Sisyphus55 is like watching a retro styled indie 3d platformer And I love it

[@Opalmiller19]

The Blinkist sponsor is a pretty good thing, there’s books I like I buy the full version of and it’s nice to add books to a shared folder. I shared mine with my friend’s mom cause my friend passed within the year and I want her to have something shared and something she can have if needing something other than tv or work

[@naruarmijo1085]

I simply can say that this guy is going better and better every video

[@joenichols3901]

I think "dopamine fasts" are very good because it's a practice in discipline. The ability to say no and learn to deny yourself things. That's good. But this is a great video on showing that the intended purpose of the fast is not scientific. Well done

[@0mn1prism59]

A quote I strive to live by it “It is impossible to achieve the aim without suffering.” My aim in life, is not happiness, it is fulfillment. I will still question myself, and desire more and more, but I know that suffering is necessary. It’s a wonderful feeling to look back at where you used to be in the past, and compare it to what you have now, provided you have made progress.

[@joseMgarcia0711]

This is so funny. I went on a Dopamine detox for a week but today I've been binge watching all the KZbin videos I didn't watch throughout the week.

[@augustinedeerapper8513]

Really good video wish people with deep mindset could see this more 🙇🏾‍♂️

[@stevensmith1031]

There is no such joy in the tavern as upon the road thereto

[@stephenhumphrey1767]

I enjoyed this. Thank you

[@blyab5167]

the timing on these vids is insane

[@winabagel21]

This was "the one video, I actually liked" thanks man :)

[@kikischannel6771]

My resolve to social media addiction and phone addiction is get a flip phone and a laptop, the flip phone will only allow you to sms people not enabling you to start scrolling and remove yourself from this moment. Your computer can be used to check social media only a few times a day and you can do everything else that you would normally do on your phone on a computer in an appropriate place

[@Paraselene_Tao]

Hah. I was about to skip your blinkist sponsor ad (I'm already signed up) but then you started to talk about Dr. Sapolsky. I've listened to every single available lecture by him, and I've read his Zebra book. The man is a damn gift of nature.

[@exhalerwolf1272]

If being happy was easy, then everyone would be. What a nice insight that is.

[@chrispycryptic]

Awesome job, I really quite enjoyed this video. I've seen several of your creations before, but this one compelled me to subscribe immediately. Thank you for your work!

[@mustafaroads8488]

Hey man, I know this will probably get lost in the comments, but you genuinely have some of the most thought provoking content on this platform. There are times where I look at your video and I’m so excited because I’m not in the mindset to engage as thoughtfully as you do. Thus, on this video and the ones I’ve watched you’ve given me an large amount of help and I want to thank you and acknowledging you for the work. It truly is appreciated. Thank you

[@TheSkystrider]

Wow! This is a good video. Very informative while being concise and referencing very strong material and reminding us that there is value in looking into more of Nietzsche teachings. Great job of your video!

[@monsieurbenoit7698]

Super glad to see a Sisyphus video referring to Robert Sapolski. This was an excellent watch.

[@itsnewjersey]

top tier content as always, keep it up 😄

[@sqilltime2994]

amazing video, thanks dude

[@OpenSourceAnarchist]

I love Schopenhauer's metaphysics and am writing a paper on his idealism and how it compares with Neural Annealing. I love reading The Will and Representation... it's a shame he isn't as widely known or taught.

[@Frosty2]

I love these videos so much

[@jacobkain4721]

I love you for this

[@WWS322]

I have schizophrenia. One doctor tells me I have a lack of dopamine, another says I have too much. Maybe they don't know?

[@rickwrites2612]

The dopamine hypothesis generally posits that high levels of dopamine are responsible for the active (but not the negative) symptoms in schizophrenia. It was posited (or perhaps known) people with Parkinsons had low levels of dopamine. An experiment was done with something that raised the level of dopamine in Parkinsons patients, it stopped their Parkinson symptoms but it *caused* the active symptoms of schizophrenia. Note -they didn't directly raise dopamine, they had to do it indirectly. I think this experiment may be what led to the dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia. However there are several other neurotransmitters known to be involved in schizophrenia such as GABA, serotonin, acetylcholine, glutamate, etc. The Revised Dopamine Hypothesis is that schizophrenia is dopamine abnormalities in prefrontal and mesolimbic areas of brain. This is very vague just to point you in direction to do your own research.

[@sfisch56]

BANGER VIDEO ALERT!!! You should do more videos focused on brain chemistry.

[@kalle9758]

Amazing video. Thanks

[@Riltea]

A while ago, I remember hearing about how Dopamine is desire. There was an experiment done on rats that had their Dopamine completely blocked so they didn’t get any, & the rats didn’t do anything. No eating, playing, drinking, fighting, nothing. They ate if food was put in their mouth, but that was forced. They didn’t have any desire to do anything at all, so they didn’t do anything.

[@davidreeding9176]

Bro this video's audio is loud as hell. I appreciate that.

[@davidreeding9176]

It is time now to watch this video near the pharmacy counter, so that everyone else can enjoy this video with me.

[@lazwb]

this is the kind of stuff I watch while on the toilet or before bed and I'm not embarrassed to say that. It's like those 3 AM videos you find.