The act of giving, even in small ways, can lead to biochemical changes that enhance your happiness more than material purchases.

The effectiveness of charity donations can increase with the quality of the materials used in solicitation, as perceived value influences giving behavior.

The more we give to others, the more we receive in return, creating a cycle of generosity that enriches our lives.

The reward pathway in the brain, particularly involving the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and nucleus accumbens, is crucial for motivating action and can lead to addiction.

Beliefs that confirm our existing views activate our reward systems, reinforcing our biases and limiting empathy.

When you anticipate a reward and it arrives, the associated behavior is more likely to occur again; however, if the expected reward does not come, dopamine levels can drop significantly.

Creating a life filled with adventures and meaningful experiences contributes to long-term happiness and fulfillment. The dopamine circuitry involved in gambling is similar to that of pursuing meaningful experiences, which can lead to a lower threshold for what one considers a win.

Philanthropy can take many forms, including giving your time, attention, or even small amounts of money, which can create a significant positive impact on your well-being.

Oxytocin increases pro-social behavior in monkeys, making them more likely to share rewards with others, indicating a boost in altruism.