Paul Zak: Trust, morality - and oxytocin

Summary

The speaker explores human morality through the lens of biology, focusing on the molecule oxytocin, which fosters trust, empathy, and social bonding. Through experiments involving money, trust, and social interactions, the speaker demonstrates how oxytocin plays a pivotal role in moral behavior. He links moral sentiments to both human biology and social dynamics, suggesting that our capacity for trust and empathy is rooted in oxytocin. The speaker also humorously shares personal anecdotes, experiments at weddings, and even skydiving, emphasizing how simple acts like hugging can increase oxytocin and enhance well-being.

Takeaways

• 🧠 Human beings are unique because we possess fully developed moral sentiments, and we're obsessed with understanding morality.
• 👩‍👦 The speaker’s obsession with morality stems from his mother, Sister Mary Marastela, and his time as an altar boy.
• 🧪 After a decade of research, the speaker discovered that oxytocin is the 'moral molecule,' influencing trust and empathy in humans.
• 🐭 Oxytocin is an ancient molecule found in mammals and is linked to trust and bonding behaviors in humans, beyond its known role in childbirth and breastfeeding.
• 💰 Trust experiments involving monetary transfers showed that higher oxytocin levels increased trustworthiness and generosity in participants.
• 🔬 While oxytocin significantly influences moral behavior, other molecules and hormones, like testosterone, can inhibit its effects, leading to selfish or punitive behaviors.
• 😢 Empathy is a key driver of moral behavior, as higher oxytocin levels increase empathy, making people more likely to connect with and help others.
• 🎩 Manipulative individuals, such as conmen, exploit the oxytocin system to gain trust, but about 5% of people do not release oxytocin, resembling psychopathic tendencies.
• 👰 Weddings, social rituals, and events that foster emotional connection, like skydiving or even social media, cause spikes in oxytocin, reinforcing social bonds.
• 🤗 The speaker promotes 'eight hugs a day' as a prescription for happiness, as more oxytocin leads to better relationships and overall well-being.

Q & A

What makes humans unique according to the speaker?

Humans are unique because we are the only creatures with fully developed moral sentiments and a deep obsession with morality, which is crucial for us as social creatures.

What molecule does the speaker believe is responsible for morality, and why?

The speaker believes that oxytocin, a simple and ancient molecule, is responsible for morality. It is released in various social situations, such as trust-building, empathy, and generosity.

How did the speaker initially test the idea that oxytocin is the 'moral molecule'?

The speaker tested the idea by conducting an experiment where participants made financial decisions involving trust, and their oxytocin levels were measured. The results showed that higher oxytocin levels correlated with greater trustworthiness.

What were the results of the trust experiment involving money transfers between participants?

In the experiment, 90% of participants trusted others by sending money, and 95% of those who received money returned some of it. Higher levels of oxytocin were linked to greater trustworthiness.

How does oxytocin affect human behavior beyond trustworthiness?

Oxytocin increases generosity, enhances donations to charity, and strengthens feelings of empathy, all of which contribute to moral behavior and social bonding.

What is the role of empathy in morality according to the speaker?

Empathy, driven by oxytocin, is central to morality. It helps individuals connect with others' emotions, making them more likely to help and act morally.

How did the speaker demonstrate the role of oxytocin in a wedding setting?

At a wedding, the speaker measured oxytocin levels and found that the bride had the largest increase, followed by her mother and other family members. This suggests that oxytocin is released during important social rituals to strengthen connections.

What are some non-pharmacological ways to increase oxytocin levels?

Oxytocin levels can be increased through activities like massage, dancing, praying, and social bonding, such as hugging.

What are some factors that inhibit the release of oxytocin?

Oxytocin release can be inhibited by high stress, improper nurturing, and high testosterone levels, which can lead to more selfish behavior and a desire to punish others.

Why does the speaker recommend 'eight hugs a day'?

The speaker recommends eight hugs a day because hugging increases oxytocin levels, leading to better relationships, increased happiness, and overall improved well-being.