What Makes Us Tick: Making sense of who we are and the desires that drive us

Description

Dr Mackay has spent a lifetime listening to people talk about their dreams, fears, hopes, disappointments and passions. As well, his bestselling books have documented the impact of the changes that have been radically reshaping our society. In WHAT MAKES US TICK? he reflects on some of the things that don't change, identifies ten desires that drive us all, and asks: Why do we talk as if we're rational, but act as if we're not? ; Why do some people always want to take control? ; Why do we seek change, yet resist it? ; Why do we want more of the things that have failed to satisfy us? . His exploration of these and other issues goes to the heart of some of life's big questions. In this new edition Hugh Mackay offers a postscript that delves into the many concerns that were raised by people around the country when he was first promoting WHAT MAKES US TICK?. They include: Why do people become workaholics? ; How can religious people hold such irrational beliefs? ; Why are so many people hooked on social media? ; What about gender and generational differences? ; Shouldn t our desire for security be on the list? , as well as many other issues that resonate with modern Australia. He also offers more thoughts on: the desire to be taken seriously; the desire for my place ; the desire for something to believe in; the desire to connect; the desire to be useful. This is a book that will explain us to ourselves.

Hugh Mackay is a social researcher and bestselling author. He has a master's degree in moral philosophy and was one of the founders of the St James Ethics Centre. He has been awarded honorary doctorates by five Australian universities and is a Fellow of the Australian Psychological Society. In 2015, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia. He lives in Canberra.

Hugh Mackay is one of this country s most perceptive social commentators. - Sydney Morning Herald Illuminator of other people s views ... a reporter of voices. Mackay ... is something of a national treasure. - Canberra Times