Freakonomics Radio How Can We Break Our Addiction to Contempt? (Update)
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Oct 15, 2025 
Arthur Brooks, an esteemed economist and Harvard professor, believes love is the antidote to today's political contempt. He dives into how media consumption fuels a dopamine-driven addiction to contempt, driving polarization. Brooks distinguishes contempt from anger, emphasizing its cold nature. He shares practical love-centered strategies to combat contempt in everyday life and discusses leadership's role in shaping our political climate. With insights from his personal journey, Brooks urges listeners to embrace actionable love to foster unity.
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Media, Not Demographics, Predict Contempt
- Media consumption patterns predict who both feels and spreads contempt, not demographics.
- More political news and social media use correlate with higher contempt levels.
Dopamine Habits Undermine Happiness
- Dopamine-driven media habits erode pleasure and increase compulsive political engagement.
- The Harvard 80-year study shows love and close relationships are the primary predictors of lasting happiness.
Practice Love As A Deliberate Act
- Treat love as an intentional action you decide to perform rather than a transient feeling.
- Will the other’s good deliberately, because love as a verb reshapes habits and relationships.
