Our happiness chemicals evolved for survival, not constant joy; understanding them helps us work with, not against, our ancient brain.
The Animal Origins of Dopamine, Serotonin, Oxytocin, and Endorphin
Modern science reveals that our brain’s “happiness chemicals” weren’t built to keep us in a state of constant bliss. Instead, dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphin evolved to help our ancestors survive in the wild.
Dopamine drove them to seek rewards and opportunities.
Oxytocin fostered trust and safety within groups.
Serotonin helped navigate social hierarchies and status.
Endorphin masked pain in emergencies, enabling survival.
These chemicals operate on scarcity principles—they spike to motivate action, then recede. Chasing a permanent high runs counter to millions of years of evolutionary design.
By recognizing their true purpose, we can set realistic expectations for our emotional states and stop viewing natural mood dips as personal shortcomings. Instead of resisting our biology, we can align our happiness strategies with how our brain is actually wired—using ancient survival mechanisms to create a balanced, sustainable sense of well-being.
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