Though this isn’t always the case, some kind of perceived past trauma is common among passionate individuals, and not only for the biological reasons we discussed earlier in this chapter. In addition to triggering a cycle of dopamine dependence and the ensuing feeling of ceaseless yearning, the relentless pursuit of an objective can also serve as an escape. Throwing ourselves wholly into a passion shrinks our world, overshadowing whatever inner struggles we may be facing and making us feel comfortable and in control. Our obsessions become a refuge. Places where we can fill the voids created by
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