By: Matthew J. Marshall

Matthew J. Marshall — Wed, 13 May 2009 16:38:26 +0000

Will your loyal blog readers get the opportunity to have a sneak preview of the expanded edition?

By: Linda Eatenson

Linda Eatenson — Wed, 06 May 2009 16:22:26 +0000

I’m a therapist and happy observer of the world. Enjoyed the book but feel you stopped short. You mentioned the primitive brain (reptilian, limbic system) but didn’t give it the attention it deserves. It, in fact, is the underlying source of all you reported. Basically, that part of our brain is present to let us know if something is safe or dangerous. It is capable of hijacking the rational part of us when it thinks (rightly or wrongly) that we’re in danger (as in jumping away from a falling tree). Marketers have known this all along. They appeal to our basic needs for survival (being part of our tribe, attracting a mate, being capable of taking care of ourselves, etc., and imply that without their product or services we won’t be able to accomplish these things and survive. Fear (danger) overrides reason (in this case inappropriately), and leads us to choices that are based in emotion rather than practical thinking. Different parts of the brain are involved, and they have very interesting and complex interactions. When we understand the source of our impulsive choices, we can better understand how and when to intervene with ourselves. (Reminding ourselves that we are safe is an amazingly effective deterrent to foolishness.) Much of what you said is on target. I just found myself wishing you’d gone the rest of the way.

By: Alon

Alon — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 07:33:11 +0000

Mazal Tov X 2 !

By: radio_babylon

radio_babylon — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 21:11:37 +0000

happy bday! loved the book, but im wondering… will you be updating the kindle version with the new expanded material? or will i have to buy it again to get that?

By: Rohit

Rohit — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 17:52:26 +0000

Yo Professor
Happy Birthday! Keep up the good work.

By: Tarus

Tarus — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 11:36:06 +0000