The holiday season is a time of sharing. And also a period conducive to reflection. And those who know me know it: I am curious, very curious. I asked myself the question: fundamentally, what is a human being? Being a chemist, I came to the idea that humans are a super assemblage of trillions of trillions of molecules. I know, it’s very impersonal and not very romantic. But let me go through my reasoning before sliding your finger to the other screen.
In addition to being an assembly of molecules, the human body is an incredible chemical reactor. Every second of our existence, hundreds of thousands of chemical reactions take place that allow us to think, shovel, eat, karaoke, digest meat pie, laugh, survive, and reproduce. Even more fascinating, this chemical reactor is always in equilibrium. But a very fragile balance: everything we see, what we eat, what we smell or what we feel alters the chemical balance of our body. Falling in love or hitting the hammer on the finger, it’s the same! These are phenomena that alter the chemical balance of our body. Just that the first is a lot more pleasant than the second.
Yes, love is chemical. Love at first sight, you know, that indescribable feeling where you sail on a cloud? Four chemicals are responsible for this state of grace: phenethylamine, dopamine, norepinephrine and adrenaline. Great words for Scrabble! Love at first sight is chemical. We have love at first sight in our life, in any circumstance, at any age, and we cannot prevent it! Alas! Like any good thing in life, love at first sight, as beautiful, as extraordinary as it is, does not last. The molecules responsible for it vanish over time and the body returns to equilibrium.
It may seem tragic, but in love: fear not!
When love at first sight wears off, oxytocin takes over. This hormone with multiple effects creates lasting happiness between two people. It is also oxytocin that creates a special bond between a single person and his pet.
Most importantly, oxytocin is THE chemical responsible for empathy. Research has shown that people who received a dose of oxytocin before donating were much more generous. Unfortunately, it is clear that there is a lot of oxytocin lacking on our planet. It is high time to develop more hooks between us humans and to share a little more, especially in this time of rejoicing. And you know what ? Being generous stimulates oxytocin production! A simple hug has the same effect!
For the holidays, I wish everyone a healthy dose of love and oxytocin. Yes ! Chemistry is everywhere.