Scarcity Brain

Fix Your Craving Mindset and Rewire Your Habits to Thrive with Enough

By: Michael Easter

Narrated by: Michael Easter

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The author of The Comfort Crisis asks: Are we hardwired to crave more? From food and stuff to information and influence, why can’t we ever get enough?

“Reveals the biological and evolutionary foundations behind your brain’s fixations, so you can stop seeking and start living.”—Melissa Urban, Whole30 CEO and author of The Book of Boundaries

“Michael Easter’s genius is that he puts data around the edges of what we intuitively believe. His work has inspired many to change their lives for the better.”—Dr. Peter Attia, author of Outlive

Have you ever found yourself wondering “Why do I want more than I have?” Michael Easter, author of The Comfort Crisis and one of the world’s leading experts on behavior change, shows that the problem isn’t you. The problem is your scarcity mindset, left over from our ancient ancestors. They had to constantly seek and consume to survive because vital survival tools like food, material goods, information, and power were scarce and hard to find.

But with our modern ability to easily fulfill our ancient desire for more, our hardwired “scarcity brain” is now backfiring. And new technology and institutions—from dating and entertainment apps to our food and economic systems—are exploiting our scarcity brain. They’re bombarding us with subversive “scarcity cues,” subtle triggers that lead us into low-reward cravings that hurt us in the long run. Scarcity cues can be direct and all-encompassing, like a sagging economy. Or they can be subtle and slight, like our neighbor buying a shiny new car.

Easter traveled the world to consult with remarkable innovators and leading scientists who are finding surprising solutions for our scarcity brain. He discovered simple tactics that can move us towards an abundance mindset, cement healthy habits, and allow us to live our lives to the fullest and appreciate what we have, including how to:

• Detect hidden scarcity cues to stop cravings before they start, from a brilliant slot machine designer in a Las Vegas casino laboratory
• Turn alone time into the ultimate happiness hack, from artisanal coffee-making Benedictine monks
• Reignite your exploration gene for a more exciting and fulfilling life, from an astronaut onboard the International Space Station
• Reframe how we think about and fix addiction and bad habits, from Iraq’s chief psychiatrist
• Recognize when you have enough, from a woman who left a million-dollar career path to adventure the world

Our world is overloaded with everything we’re built to crave. The fix for scarcity brain isn’t to blindly aim for less. It’s to understand why we crave more in the first place, shake our worst habits, and use what we already have better. Then we can experience life in a new way—a more satisfying way.

©2023 Michael Easter (P)2023 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“This book is for anyone desperate to break the cycle of doom scrolling, constant cravings, and the relentless drive for more—more validation, more sugar, more money, more stuff. Scarcity Brain reveals the biological and evolutionary foundations behind your brain’s fixations, so you can stop seeking and start living.” —Melissa Urban, New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Boundaries

“Michael Easter brings to light that our challenges with behavior change can be better understood—and conquered—if we know how driven we are by our scarcity mindset. With deep science-backed insights, personal stories, practical guidance, and a relatable approach, Easter’s book is for anyone interested in embarking on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment with the goal of living a healthier, more satisfying, and actualized life.” —Juliet Starrett & Dr. Kelly Starrett, New York Times bestselling authors of Built to Move

“Michael Easter illuminates how humans are hardwired to seek more, even when our reward-seeking behaviors become at odds with our well-being. His vulnerable weaving of his own personal experiences alongside cutting edge research and current events compel you to examine your own life and patterns. Consider this engaging read a mandate to get curious, a more effective tool for meaningful, positive, lasting change than shame or judgement, the traditional tools of the trade.” —Liz Plosser, editor in chief of Women’s Health

Interesting thoughts

Since the author studied the loop of seeking associated with destructive behaviors (alcohol and drug addiction) he paints a path to recognition which can be interesting for those who seek this information. I think seeking the assistance from a therapist would be more beneficial but reading this book could help establish a recognition that a problem exists.

Empowering, upgrade in my quality of life

I loved The Comfort Crisis so I knew I’d at least “like” this one….I love it just as much, if not more.
Understanding how our brains are wired is key…..Understanding that all consumerism is hacking this knowledge to use *against* us, gives us a fighting chance to not get duped, entangled, addicted, Ect—for THEIR gains. Our losses.
What I love most is this is not all just dry data. The author searches to depths that are visceral….for what means most to our TRUE selves, our best lives….beyond what any fleeting moments of happiness could ever bring.

Great book!

I have listened to this book 3 times now and I continue to pick up little nuggets and insights to myself. I enjoy Michael Easter’s work and insights into what and why we are the way we are.

interesting read, lots of leaps

easy to listen to, many unique stories. didn't blend together well, overall did well

Very Practical for Today

I feel more attuned to the Scarcity Brain and things that contribute. Would listen again.

fix your craving by changing your perspective

The author gives a first hand experience on how he searched for happiness in our world of social media, abundance and craving for more. Very well researched topics on addiction, why people want more, hoard more and why monks live in solitude. when I was listening to this book, it was as if I was listening to a friend who I haven't seen in a while. I enjoyed listening to stories he experienced and how he became a better person who could control his desires. It made me realize living love to the fullest does not mean having everything. It means living a meaningful life with what we have and cherish people around us. Thank you!

Abyss

A must read for all abyss travelers. Knowing oneself is powerful. It breeds confidence and contentment.

Redefining the Loop

Excellent insight into the scarcity loop and how every day life has consumed us. Figuring out what is most important and redefining a loop that matters for you. What an excellent listen

Excellent

A great mindset shift and renewed way to look at life, our circumstances, and what is most valuable. A lot of great nuggets of wisdom to chew on. My favorite, “gear vs stuff.”

Challenges your assumptions

The weaving of how the personal journey is one we are al on, if we so chose.