Hedonists Might Have A Point

Here is an interesting article about what we are learning about pleasure and our brains:

"While pleasure may have evolved as a way to encourage creatures to indulge in healthy behaviour and avoid more harmful pursuits, Stefano believes there is another benefit. Inside brain neurons, and also other tissues in the body, is a chemical called proenkephalin. He says that when we experience pleasure, proenkephalin is broken down, producing a substance that causes a feel good sensation. But the same enzymes involved in that process also release another chemical called enketylin, a strong antibacterial agent. "Just think of the beauty of that: when you're feeling good, you protect yourself," says Stefano."

Also, here is another article about how happiness causes success, in addition to the usual success-causes-happiness idea that we are used to. The PDF of the study is here.