Ever wondered what 'human nature' really means?

This new edition of What Makes Us Tick takes us beneath the often overwhelming surface noise of politics, economics, new technology and social change to explore something that hasn't changed: the ten desires that drive us all and, now in a new prologue, the seven characteristics that define us as a species.

From our desire to be taken seriously, to be useful and to be loved, to the desire for more, the desire for control and the desire for something to believe in, these universal human motivations powerfully influence our behaviour towards each other.

Hugh Mackay goes to the heart of what it means to be human. This is a book that explains us to ourselves and, in the process, helps us understand each other a little better. It also encourages us to lead more generous, compassionate lives.

‘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 *

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.