An early critique of the malevolent power of advertising. ( )

This book gave me a very useful understanding of, and distrust of, all sorts of advertising. ( )

Vance Packard’s “The Hidden Persuaders” presents an overview of the psychological research done by the advertising industry, which it uses to influence us, often subconsciously, to think we want their products.
This trend for in-depth psychological research, as opposed to more traditional market research and statistical analysis, has been growing since the 1940s. It has influenced the bulk of society to a vast degree in creating false wants and has expanded the economy so that products are not merely sold to fulfil demands, but demands are created to sell products. It has done this in a way that traditional marketing based on the assumption that the consumer was a rational entity could not, by leveraging the subconscious. Much of the research that has gone into this is quite clever and interesting to read about.
This is a fascinating volume not merely from the point of view of understanding human nature and the unexpected psychological factors behind common purchasing decisions, but also because of the prevalence of advertising and consumerism and the need to be on guard against the ubiquitous manipulations of companies trying to gain the upper hand. Recommended reading for anyone with an interest in psychology, business, or society. ( )

Although I read this book many years ago, it stuck inside my head like an old familiar tune that you can’t quite place and are not sure of the words. Time and again the book’s message has resurfaced in terms like “Planned Obsolescence,” while watching the movie, “Mom & Dad – staring Nickolas Cage” and whenever I found myself using a disposable item.

Recently, I’ve begun speaking out against companies that would rather toss their unsold goods into landfills, rather than selling them at reduced prices or donating them to worthy charities/causes. Many “Big-Name” stores are notorious for this practice and consumers are just becoming aware of the effects: Food, Clothing, Books, Appliances, Electronics and more – all thrown away when they go unsold – as new models are unpacked for the shelves and racks.

I have forgone the “Rat Race,” choosing a simple life of working from my home-office, here, on my farm – where very little is ever thrown away and we are continuously learning new ways to recycle, re-purpose and reuse.

But my question remains – what can I do to change this wasteful practice when I see it taking place? How can I help others understand the brainwashing efforts of marketers without sounding fanatical? ( )

Un libro degli anni '50-'60 in cui vengono presentati e spiegati le tecniche pubblicitarie di condizionamento della massa.Incredibilmente attuale! ( )