Social: Why Our Brains Are Wired to Connect

By Matthew D. Lieberman

Categories: Politics & Social Sciences, Science & Math

Social neuroscientist Matthew Lieberman argues that our need to connect with other people is as fundamental as our need for food and shelter. Using brain-imaging research, he shows that social pain and pleasure use the same brain circuits as physical pain and pleasure, and that the brain's default mode is focused on understanding others. Lieberman explores what this means for work, schools and well-being.

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• Shane Parrish: “At some level, the driver behind most of what we do is to reach out and connect with people. “We have a unique ability to read other people’s minds, to figure out their hopes, fears, and motivations, allowing us to effectively coordinate our lives with one another.”