Exploring the Modern Devil: Cheap Dopamine

Naval Ravikant wisely states, "The modern devil is cheap dopamine." Dopamine, a crucial neurotransmitter, plays a significant role in our motivation, attention, and craving, forming the backbone of our brain's reward system.

Dopamine can be categorized into two types: cheap and hard-earned. Cheap dopamine comes from easily accessible sources such as scrolling through social media, indulging in sugary treats, smoking, and seeking immediate gratification. In contrast, hard-earned dopamine requires effort and dedication—activities like reading, exercising, meditating, and building meaningful relationships.

Our brains are wired to prefer cheap dopamine, often at the expense of our mental well-being. This inclination can lead to anxiety and restlessness, diminishing our ability to find joy in previously pleasurable activities. To stand out and realize your aspirations, it's essential to pursue hard-earned dopamine through challenging endeavors, which can rejuvenate your motivation and enhance your enjoyment of life.

The Nature of Desire: A Double-Edged Sword

Another impactful quote from Ravikant is, "Desire is a contract you make with yourself to be unhappy until you get it." Envision a life devoid of desire—progress would stagnate. Desires fuel our ambitions and innovations, from the human quest for flight leading to the invention of airplanes to the need for rapid communication giving rise to mobile phones.

Desires can be classified into two categories: those we genuinely want and those imposed by societal expectations. Personal desires are often fluid; for instance, as a final-year MBBS student, I aspire to buy a car, secure a government job, and marry someone special. Conversely, societal expectations push us to acquire luxury items and status symbols, often hindering our happiness.

These societal pressures can lead to conditional happiness—believing that joy lies in achieving certain milestones. This mindset distracts us from appreciating the present. The key takeaway is to uncouple happiness from desires and keep them in check. Chasing desires can be akin to pursuing a mirage; they may elude you, leading to burnout.

The Art of Reading: Quality Over Quantity

Ravikant asserts, "If you can speed read it, it is not worth reading." In today's fast-paced world, the allure of instant gratification extends to how we approach reading. Many rush to complete books, mistaking quantity for quality. However, true understanding of a book demands time and reflection.

While some books can be read in a day, others are densely packed with insights that require multiple readings for full comprehension. The merit lies not in the number of books you finish but in the depth of understanding you achieve. To cultivate a lasting connection with literature, absorb knowledge thoughtfully and apply it in your personal and professional life.