Paul J. Zak

About the Author

Paul J. Zak is a pioneering neuroeconomist and professor whose groundbreaking research bridges the worlds of neuroscience, economics, and human behavior. Renowned for his discovery of the 'moral molecule'—oxytocin—and its profound role in fostering trust, empathy, and social bonds, Zak has transformed our understanding of what drives cooperation in societies and markets. With a PhD in economics from the University of Pennsylvania, he directs the Center for Neuroeconomics Studies at Claremont Graduate University and has authored several influential books that make complex science accessible to a wide audience. Through TED Talks viewed millions of times and appearances in major media outlets, Zak continues to explore how trust shapes everything from business success to personal relationships, advocating for a more empathetic world.