THE MOLECULE OF MOREcombination of mystery and grace. Too much information
breaks the spell.
—Virginia Postrel
Glamour is present when we see things that stimulate our
dopaminergic imagination, drowning out our ability to accu-
rately perceive here-and-now reality.
A good example is air travel. Look up. Is there an air-
plane in the sky? What kinds of thoughts and feelings are
triggered? Many people experience a longing to be on the
plane, traveling to exotic locations that are far away—a care-
free getaway that begins with a ride among the clouds. Of
course, if you were on the plane, your here-and-now senses
would inform you that this paradise in the sky is more like
a rush-hour bus across town: cramped, exhausting, and
unpleasant—the opposite of elegant.
Likewise, what could be more glamorous than Holly-
wood? Beautiful actors and actresses go to parties, stand
around swimming pools, and flirt. The reality is far different,
involving 14-hour days sweating under hot lights. Women
actors are exploited sexually and men are pressured to take
steroids and growth hormone to get the fabulous bodies
we see on screen. Gwyneth Paltrow, Megan Fox, Charlize
Theron, and Marilyn Monroe have all described “cast-
ing couch” experiences (all but Marilyn Monroe said they
declined the offer to trade sex for a coveted role). Nick Nolte,
Charlie Sheen, Mickey Rourke, and Arnold Schwarzenegger
have all admitted to using steroids, which can cause liver
damage, mood swings, violent outbursts, and psychosis. It’s
a tawdry business.
Mountains aren’t tawdry, though. They’re majestic,
standing far off in the distance, softened by the blurring