Spent
Spent
Geoffrey Miller
Patrick O'Shaughnessy
Provides a new way of looking at our motivations, and details how we constantly try to signal certain qualities to friends, family, and potential mates. - Patrick O'Shaughnessy
Keith Rabois
Keith Rabois recommended this book on Quora.
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Spent

Spent: Sex, Evolution, and Consumer Behavior

Geoffrey Miller
By
Geoffrey Miller
3.8
166
ratings on Goodreads

In "Spent," evolutionary psychologist Geoffrey Miller transports us into the heart of American consumer culture, revealing the primal forces shaping our every purchase. Through the lens of evolutionary psychology, Miller unveils the unconscious signals we broadcast about our biological fitness through the brands we champion and the products we covet. With a narrative as engaging as it is enlightening, Miller dissects the myriad ways in which our spending habits narrate our personal stories of survival and social allure, from the cars we drive to the music that moves us. This groundbreaking exploration into the commerce of human desire challenges us to reconsider not just what we buy, but why. Miller expertly navigates the intersection of market forces and human evolution, proposing that our consumer choices mirror ancient mating and friendship patterns. "Spent" is laced with humor and packed with surprising insights, offering a revelatory perspective on how the seemingly mundane acts of choosing a lipstick or a smartphone are guided by deep-seated evolutionary instincts. By decoding the hidden meanings behind our spending, Miller not only enriches our understanding of consumerism but also offers a pathway towards more fulfilling and responsible consumption. "Spent" stands as a bold testament to the power of evolutionary psychology to illuminate the complexities of modern life, making it an indispensable read for anyone intrigued by the why behind the buy.

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Released
2009
1 Jan
Length
384
Pages

2

recommendations

recommendation

Keith Rabois recommended this book on Quora.
Provides a new way of looking at our motivations, and details how we constantly try to signal certain qualities to friends, family, and potential mates. - Patrick O'Shaughnessy
The ad does not say “Buy this!”; it says, “Be assured that if you buy and display this product, others are being well trained to feel ugly and inferior in your presence, just as you feel ugly and inferior compared with this goddess.
— Geoffrey Miller, Spent

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