Festival of Ideas: Bruce Hood

Bruce Hood
Possessed
Wed 6 November 2019, 19:00-20:00
Waterstones (Union Street Entrance)
£8/£6/£4.50

£4.50 PARTNER RATE is for staff, students or members at the following organisations: Arts Council England, Bristol City Council, Business West, University of Bristol and UWE.

Our love affair with our possessions seems to be all-consuming, even as our planet reaches breaking point. Despite the constant warnings, we are reluctant to change our ways when it comes to accumulating more and more things. Why is this?

The answer is our need for ownership. Ownership is a uniquely human pre-occupation that has its origins deeply rooted in our biology. It can be seen in everything, from children fighting over toys to the rise of political extremism.

Award-winning psychologist Bruce Hood draws on research from his own laboratory and others around the world to explain why psychological ownership is an emotional state of mind that governs our behaviour from the cradle to the grave, even when it is often irrational and destructive. What motivates us to buy more than we need? How does our urge to acquire control our behaviour, even the way we vote? And what can we do about it?

Please note that you will be asked of proof for your eligibility of a concession ticket. Concessions apply to Full Time Students, Job Seekers Allowance, Incapacity Benefit claimants, over 60s and disabled people. The Partner Rate applies to those working at the following organisations: Arts Council, Bristol City Council, Businesswest, University of Bristol and UWE. Please note that no refunds/exchanges are possible for tickets already purchased at the higher price.

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