POLITICSbe the most straightforward explanation. There may be simpler ones
based on what we know about the neurobiology of sex. Most obvi-
ously, letting go of control, which is necessary for climax to occur, is
easier within a trusting relationship. This type of relationship is more
common among stability-seeking H&N conservatives compared to
novelty-seeking dopaminergic liberals. Additionally, the ability to enjoy
the physical sensations of sex in the here and now requires suppression
of dopamine by H&N neurotransmitters such as endorphins and endo-
cannabinoids. Greater activity in the H&N system relative to dopamine
makes that shift easier to achieve.
The dating website OkCupid did their own survey on sex, and
found an intriguing piece of data with regard to what kind of people
valued, or did not value, orgasms. They asked, “Are orgasms the most
important part of sex?” They divided up the data based on political
and professional affiliation. Those most likely to answer no to the ques-
tion were politically liberal writers, artists, and musicians.
If you’re highly dopaminergic—as writers, artists, and musicians tend
to be—the most important part of sex probably occurs prior to the main
event. It’s the conquest. When an imagined object of desire turns into a
real person, when hope is replaced with possession, the role of dopamine
comes to an end. The thrill is gone, and orgasm is anticlimactic.
Finally, as would be expected when comparing liberals (with their
elevated dopamine) with conservatives (with their elevated H&N neu-
rotransmitters), conservatives are happier than liberals. A Gallup poll
conducted from 2005 to 2007 found that 66 percent of Republicans
were very satisfied with their lives compared to 53 percent of Demo-
crats. Sixty-one percent of Republicans described themselves as very
happy, but fewer than half of Democrats were able to say the same. In
a similar vein, people who were married were happier than those who
were single, and people who went to church were happier than those
who did not.
The world is rarely simple, though. Despite higher rates of marital
satisfaction, more reliable orgasms, and less cheating, couples in red
states are more likely to get divorced than those in blue states. They
also consume more pornography. Although these findings appear to