Helen Fisher, an “anthropologist of love & attraction” usually gives me the shits for no particular reason other than that I hate some things being reduced to neuroscience. Also, i note that scientists/biologists et al tend to so often ascribe their own stupid prejudices to the study. One lot of old blokes wistfully noting that some male cuckoo gets to screw whomever he wants and never is asked to clean the nest – a bunch of bitched up women retaliating with a meadow-vole community where the lady voles go out cavorting & mating with young male meadow voles whilst other males raise their young…blah blah blah. Anyway, obviously one is not an academic, lol.
BUT this L.A. Times article re the latest research of Ms Sun-Sign-Unknown Fisher is interesting as it sounds SO much like the four elements of the Zodiac.
“…She wanted to learn why not, and in the process, to nail down once and for all this thing called “chemistry.” As she writes: “I realized I had to come to grips with this opportunity — a chance to apply the newest data in neuroscience to the essential question of who you love.”
Fisher began by developing a questionnaire that sought to pinpoint temperament. By responding to prompts such as “I find unpredictable situations exhilarating” or “I think consistent routines keep life orderly and relaxing,” people can determine which of the four groups fits them.
If you live high on dopamine and norepinephrine, you are an Explorer — someone who takes risks, is flexible and energetic, spontaneous and easily bored by routine.
Those with high levels of serotonin are Builders: calm, managerial, loyal, orderly and conscientious.
Testosterone drives Directors, who are competitive, self-disciplined, good with systems, often exacting and focused.
Negotiators are people people: trusting, broad-minded, empathetic, idealistic and awash in estrogen and oxytocin….”
The article is here.
BUT surely this is ye olde news??? Explorers etc. Fire, Earth, Air & Water. The Myers Brigg testing has four core temperament types. Jung has four types. Medieval humours: Choleric, Sanguine, Phlegmatic, Melancholy…Maybe it’s new to throw in endorphins et al???
QUIZ: What Is Your Medieval Personality Type???
And, even though i am vegetarian & love animals, i do not think complicated human mating scenarios can be boiled down to, say, that of some tree frog. Or an amoeba. Nor even lab rats.
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