Why humans believe that better things come to those who wait
Wednesday, April 14, 2010 - 12:15
in Psychology & Sociology
New research reveals a brain circuit that seems to underlie the ability of humans to resist instant gratification and delay reward for months, or even years, in order to earn a better payoff. The study provides insight into the capacity for "mental time travel," also known as episodic future thought, that enables humans to make choices with high long-term benefits.