Spent: Sex, Evolution, and Consumer
Behavior by Geoffrey Miller
Safe For Consumption
A leading evolutionary psychologist probes the hidden instincts behind our
working, shopping, and spending
Evolutionary psychology—the compelling science of human nature—has
clarified the prehistoric origins of human behavior and influenced many
fields ranging from economics to personal relationships. In Spent Geoffrey
Miller applies this revolutionary science’s principles to a new domain: the
sensual wonderland of marketing and status seeking that we call American
consumer culture. Starting with the basic notion that the goods and
services we buy unconsciously advertise our biological potential as mates
and friends, Miller examines the hidden factors that dictate our choices in
everything from lipstick to cars, from the magazines we read to the music
we listen to. With humor and insight, Miller analyzes an array of product

choices and deciphers what our decisions say about ourselves, giving us
access to a new way of understanding—and improving—our behaviors.
Like Freakonomics or The Tipping Point, Spent is a bold and revelatory
book that illuminates the unseen logic behind the chaos of consumerism
and suggests new ways we can become happier consumers and more
responsible citizens.
Personal Review: Spent: Sex, Evolution, and Consumer
Behavior by Geoffrey Miller
True to the spirit of this book, I purchased a flawless copy of it at a library
book sale for $5 (I believe it was an unread review copy). As an insatiable
reader of Evolutionary Psychology books, I immediately read it, even
though I have several thousand other books previously purchased from
library sales waiting in my queue. This is one of the most entertaining
books I have read, both in terms of its academic content and the writing
style (the author has a great sense of humor). The book does not assume
background knowledge, though I found that it tied together ideas I had
previously encountered in books such as "The Moral Animal", The Third
Chimpanzee", "The Red Queen", "The Origins of Virtue", "The Economic
Naturalist", etc. (all of which I also highly recommend). The description of
consumers as narcissists (great spelling bee word, I hope I got it right) and
the various discussions of the central six personality traits are quite
thought-provoking. The author isn't afraid to discuss issues backed by
evidence that are, however, "politically incorrect", such as the negative
effects of the dearth of shared norms in culturally diverse communities.
The book also stays consistently well-written and informative throughout
(i.e. it shows no evidence of the last third of the book being rushed to meet
a deadline or padded to meet a length requirement). The section toward
the end about consumption taxes and negative/positive externalities
should be required reading for everyone.
One final thing I admire about the book. Concerned parties (author,
publisher, editor, etc.) didn't submit a fake 5-star first review posted by
someone who has only reviewed one book and writes in an obviously
promotional style. I think this book will receive great reviews based on
merit. I actually read the book and highly recommend it.
Oh, one other thing. The jacket design is superb. The picture reminds me
of myself hunting/gathering at Trader Joe's.
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