Trust is kind of this economic lubricant. When trust is high, morale is high. ... Higher trust environments produce individuals who are happier.

Oxytocin connects us to other people; oxytocin makes us feel what other people feel. And it's easy to cause people's brains to release oxytocin. Let me show you. Come here. Give me a hug.

Like nature itself, modern economic life is driven by relentless competition and unbridled selfishness. Or is it?

Showing kindness causes oxytocin release in the recipient that motives him or her to be kind to others. You can start this virtuous cycle in the simplest ways, for example, by giving someone a hug. I send you a hug!

Oxytocin infusion increases generosity in unilateral monetary transfers by 80 percent [and] increases donations to charity by 50 percent.

You need eight hugs a day. You'll be happier and the world will be a better place.

[We] administered testosterone to men; instead of sharing money, they become selfish. Interestingly, high testosterone males are also more likely to use their own money to punish others for being selfish.