Homo Consumericus

The nature and nurture of consumption

Coronavirus Disease 2019
Life Is a Series of Trade-Offs

Gad Saad Ph.D. on April 19, 2020

Life is about a trade-off between competing objectives. Remember this when criticizing politicians during the current COVID-19 crisis.

Life is about a trade-off between competing objectives. Remember this when criticizing politicians during the current COVID-19 crisis.

Resilience
How to Seek Resilience During a Global Pandemic

Gad Saad Ph.D. on April 7, 2020

Our current self-isolation might be challenging, but there are countless greater sources of suffering. Be grateful for what you have.

Our current self-isolation might be challenging, but there are countless greater sources of suffering. Be grateful for what you have.

Marriage
How I Met My Wife

Gad Saad Ph.D. on December 6, 2019

Your soulmate may be just around the corner. Every moment has the potential to be life-altering in endless unknowable and magical ways.

Your soulmate may be just around the corner. Every moment has the potential to be life-altering in endless unknowable and magical ways.

Career
Ignore Your Parents’ Advice at Your Peril

Gad Saad Ph.D. on August 10, 2018

Of all the pieces of parental advice that you’ve received, which one has yielded the greatest impact on your life—either because you heeded it or ignored it?

Of all the pieces of parental advice that you’ve received, which one has yielded the greatest impact on your life—either because you heeded it or ignored it?

Consumer Behavior
Marketing Is Life and Life Is Marketing

Gad Saad Ph.D. on May 7, 2018

Much of what we do on a daily basis is consumptive in nature, and is shaped by our deep-seated desire to market ourselves in endless ways.

Much of what we do on a daily basis is consumptive in nature, and is shaped by our deep-seated desire to market ourselves in endless ways.

Dunning-Kruger Effect
Are You Open-Minded?

Gad Saad Ph.D. on March 30, 2018

Beware of self-perceptions of expertise, as these might affect your ability to weigh conflicting information.

Beware of self-perceptions of expertise, as these might affect your ability to weigh conflicting information.

Identity
Open Message to the West on Canada Day

Gad Saad Ph.D. on July 1, 2017

Prospective immigrants must fully adopt the foundational values of their host nations and never the other way around. Immigration is a privilege. Protect free societies.

Prospective immigrants must fully adopt the foundational values of their host nations and never the other way around. Immigration is a privilege. Protect free societies.

Suicide
What Constitutes a Rational Immigration Policy?

Gad Saad Ph.D. on January 31, 2017

The debate regarding the optimal immigration policy has been hijacked by rhetoric at the two extremes of the relevant continuum. Let's find the rational and sane middle ground.

The debate regarding the optimal immigration policy has been hijacked by rhetoric at the two extremes of the relevant continuum. Let's find the rational and sane middle ground.

Sex
Religious Accommodations in the Workplace

Gad Saad Ph.D. on June 2, 2015

Should non-denominational for-profit companies that use sexual imagery as an integral part of their branding be forced to accommodate religious attire? Do religious-based rights trump all other rights?

Should non-denominational for-profit companies that use sexual imagery as an integral part of their branding be forced to accommodate religious attire? Do religious-based rights trump all other rights?

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May 2026
The Best Ways to Begin Again

The best way to begin something new—in love, work, and life.

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Tests
Self Tests
Self Tests

Self Tests are all about you. Are you outgoing or introverted? Are you a narcissist? Does perfectionism hold you back? Find out the answers to these questions and more with Psychology Today.

Self Assessments
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