Oxytocin
A hormone and neurotransmitter involved in social bonding, trust, and reproduction. Often called the 'love hormone' or 'bonding hormone.'
Used in the Books
This term appears in 3 chapters:
"... explosive. Childbirth: The baby's head presses against the cervix. Stretch receptors detect this and signal the brain. The pituitary gland releases oxytocin. Oxytocin makes the uterus contract harder. Harder contractions push the baby further into the cervix, stretching it more."
"...s pressures but their bodies don't treat leadership as warfare. Lower baseline stress means clearer thinking and better decisions under pressure. - Oxytocin: Elevated (bonding hormone, 180% of subordinate levels) - The "trust hormone" that creates social bonds and reduces anxiety."
"...dividuals (market pricing) - "Cheaters" who don't repay grooming debt are excluded from coalitions The biological mechanism: - Grooming triggers oxytocin release (bonding hormone) - Oxytocin strengthens social memory and trust - Repeated grooming creates literal neurochemical bond - Betraying grooming ..."
Biological Context
Oxytocin surges during childbirth, breastfeeding, and physical intimacy. It promotes trust and in-group bonding but may increase suspicion of outsiders. Oxytocin levels correlate with relationship satisfaction.
Business Application
Organizational oxytocin: the factors that build trust and bonding within teams. Shared experiences, physical proximity, and collaborative success release 'organizational oxytocin.'