The Ten Desires That Drive Us

This week's public lecture in the Ethics Centre, and the first of this term, was from social researcher Hugh Mackay on the subject of his latest book - What Makes Us Tick: The Ten Desires That Drive Us.

None of this stuff is particularly new or groundbreaking; but Mackay articulates it with a clarify and humour that makes you go 'der, obviously' at the same time as thinking 'wow, yes - of course, that makes so much sense'. The desires are all social desires (he doesn't include personal gratifications such as beauty, art, or even food) and which are the source of all manner of social ills - either when they are denied, or when they run riot. Here they are...


The desire to be taken seriously
We want to to be noticed; to have basic rights; to be valued.


The desire for my place
A sanctuary - within the home, in the countryside, in the at work, or even in the car - where we feel safe and can really relax or think.


The desire to connect
with others, animals, and the natural world.


The desire to be useful
to feel that we contribute something positive in what we do.


The desire for love and to be loved


The desire for more
In positive pyschology circles, known as the 'adaptation principle'. We are never satisfied with something we like.


The desire to have something to believe in
A religion, a political ideology - or even just a dream of what our life might be.


The desire to belong
to our own 'herd' and to a 'tribe' - manifested in nationalism, sport, religion.


The desire for control
Our own lives, and also those close to us - often to our detriment.


The desire for something to happen
to stave off boredom and to keep life interesting.




Next up in two weeks is Nick Farr-Jones; former Wallaby Captain, World Cup Winner and Newington Old Boy on Ethics and Sport.

This weekend is rugby, report writing and an essay for my Dip Ed for me; whilst Gill is in the Gold Coast babysitting her nephew.