Dopamine, Intelligence, and Sex Drive: An Intriguing Nexus

Behavioral scientists have proposed that humans cannot live with just one partner based on an evolutionary point of view. Christopher Ryan and Cacilda Jethá, in their book "Sex at Dawn," wrote that humans are naturally non-monogamous and that our ancestors likely engaged in temporary sexual relationships. They suggest that the modern concept of monogamy is a relatively recent cultural invention and may not be well-suited to human nature. The book also discusses how cultural norms around monogamy and sexual exclusivity can create shame and guilt around sexual desire, leading to sexual dysfunction and dissatisfaction [1].

Dopamine's influence

In his book, The Molecule of More, Daniel Lieberman argues that dopamine plays a crucial role in the brain's reward system and can be associated with feelings of pleasure and satisfaction experienced during sexual activity. He suggests that dopamine influences the seeking of new sexual encounters; however, after achieving them, other neurotransmitters and their related neural circuits, such as serotonin, oxytocin, and the endocannabinoid system, drive sexual activity, and the mission of dopamine ends. Then dopamine arises again and motivates us to seek new pleasures.

Lieberman also explores the connection between dopamine and creativity, as well as how an imbalance in dopamine levels can lead to conditions such as schizophrenia. Lieberman discusses that dopamine plays an essential role in driving our desires and motivations and that an excess or deficiency of dopamine can result in both creative genius and mental illness. He discusses how dopamine influences our dreams and how an excessive increase in dopamine can impair the discrimination of reality and dreams, a phenomenon known as schizophrenia.

However, normal imagination and dreaming may help highly talented individuals solve problems. There is interesting evidence that the gene variations observed in schizophrenic individuals are also common in genius writers, musicians, and scientists or their families. Therefore, dopamine is located at the crossroads of creativity, dreaming, psychosis, and sexual desire [2].

Intelligence is correlated with sexual desire

Most evidence indicates a negative correlation between intelligence and sexual activity. Researchers find that higher intelligence is associated with a delay in the initiation of a wide range of partnered sexual activities, from holding hands to sexual intercourse. This protective effect of intelligence appears to be mediated by factors such as involvement in structured activities, conventionality, and reduced opportunities for sexual activity.

They propose that internal factors such as motivation and decision-making appear to be more relevant for intelligent adolescents. However, a positive relationship between intelligence and sexual desire was found in older age groups. It appears that intelligent teenagers may delay engaging in sexual activities as a trade-off to achieve their goals [3].

These results show that less sexual activity does not necessarily equate to lower sexual desire. Perhaps the dopamine system in the brain is the reason for this paradox: why intelligent individuals exhibit a greater desire despite engaging in sexual activity less frequently than others.

Might dopamine be the link between intelligence and sexuality?

A study found that dopamine receptor genes, especially the DRD2 gene, are associated with creative thinking and artistic interest [4]. It has also been shown that there is an association between dopamine D4 receptor (DRD2) gene variation and both infidelity and sexual promiscuity [5]. These findings indicate that dopamine and its receptors affect creativity and libido.

In his book, Liberman revealed that the high activation of the dopaminergic reward system in genius individuals propels them to pursue ambitious goals. When they achieve their goals, they will seek new pleasures. They are not satisfied with the pleasure they have now. They are addicted to new ambitions. It seems that the specific brain wiring of intelligent individuals is also correlated with their relatively strange social relationships with other people, including partners.

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It has been said that Newton was isolated in social interactions. The lack of good social behavior with others is frequently mentioned among great scientists, philosophers, and top artists. This shows they have little tolerance for people around them and are always focused on their goals and dreams. However, their goals sometimes seem imaginative and mysterious, like Newton's pursuits of alchemy.

Smart individuals are naturally attractive to most people. Sapiosexuality is the term used to describe an attraction to smart individuals. The heightened libido in geniuses and their appeal to others may have evolutionary implications.

Although higher levels of the dopaminergic system contribute to both ingenuity and sexuality, the relationship between dopamine, sexuality, and creativity is complex and not fully understood. While evidence suggests a correlation between them, more research is needed to understand the relationship between these factors.