Dr Mackay has spent a lifetime listening to people talk about their dreams, fears, hopes, disappointments and passions. As well, his bestselling books have documented the impact of the changes that have been radically reshaping our society. In What Makes Us Tick? he reflects on some of the things that don't change, identifies ten desires that drive us all, and asks:

• Why do we talk as if we're rational, but act as if we're not?
• Why do some people always want to take control?
• Why do we seek change, yet resist it?
• Why do we want more of the things that have failed to satisfy us?

• Why do people become workaholics?
• How can religious people hold such irrational beliefs?
• Why are so many people hooked on social media?
• What about gender and generational differences?
• Shouldn't our desire for security be on the list? , as well as many other issues that resonate with modern Australia.

• the desire to be taken seriously
• the desire for my place
• the desire for something to believe in
• the desire to connect
• the desire to be useful. This is a book that will explain us to ourselves.