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The Consuming Instinct

What Juicy Burgers, Ferraris, Pornography, and Gift Giving Reveal About Human Nature

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The Consuming Instinct

Written by: Gad Saad, David M. Buss - Foreword
Narrated by: Matthew Josdal
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In this highly informative and entertaining book, the founder of the vibrant new field of evolutionary consumption illuminates the relevance of our biological heritage to our daily lives as consumers. 

While culture is important, the author shows that innate evolutionary forces deeply influence the foods we eat, the gifts we offer, the cosmetics and clothing styles we choose to make ourselves more attractive to potential mates, and even the cultural products that stimulate our imaginations (such as art, music, and religion). The book demonstrates that most acts of consumption can be mapped onto four key Darwinian drives - namely, survival (we prefer foods high in calories); reproduction (we use products as sexual signals); kin selection (we naturally exchange gifts with family members); and reciprocal altruism (we enjoy offering gifts to close friends). The author further highlights the analogous behaviors that exist between human consumers and a wide range of animals. 

For anyone interested in the biological basis of human behavior or simply in what makes consumers tick-marketing professionals, advertisers, psychology mavens, and consumers themselves - this is a fascinating listen.

©2011 Gad Saad (P)2019 Tantor Consumer Behaviour & Market Research Marketing Marketing & Sales Personal Success Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Health Mental Health

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There is some very interesting information to be gleaned from this book, however the opinions held by Gad Saad regarding pornography soured the book for me. In 2023 with the epidemic of porn addiction afflicting men of all ages, I found his closing remark about “enjoying a pornographic film” particularly repulsive. Porn destroys lives, full stop.

Disappointed by certain opinions.

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I would highly recommend this book/audible to students of marketing, finance biology and social science.
Never realized evolutionary psychology was so inter-connected with other specialized fields of study.

A work Genius

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I've been very curious about evolutionary psychology, and this was an outstanding entry point to the subject.

it's written in such a way that people not from academia can understand Dr. Saad.

Highly recommended.

Very interesting

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It was an informative book that I'm surprised took me this many years to hear about. I'm glad this dude make this information into a book. But the dude narrating just is so monotoned

Dudes voice put me to sleep.

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Well explained, thorough research but also explained in an engaging and interesting way! Must read! Can't wait to read The Parasitic Mind by Gad Saad!

Love the Gadfather! Can't wait to read mind!

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