Reward System

From the Tyldwick Tarot, the Nine of Cups; from the Antiquarian Lenormand, Coffin:

The brain effectively developed an in-house reward system for altruistic, prosocial behavior.

—Suzanne Degges-White

The 'wishes granted' card shows nine decanters of perfume. Our sense of smell is connected to the olfactory bulb, a part of the brain's limbic system that is often called the "emotional brain." Our brains forge a link between a smell and memory; good times produce good memories. Yet the sweet smell of such bottled fragrances only last two to three years, as the Coffin alludes to (endings). However, researchers have found that while self-focused actions can give us a feel-good bump, altruistic actions provide a more durable, long-term boost to our well-being. Such prosocial behavior engages us and gives us a feeling of belonging.