`Author:` David Courtwright `Availability:` [[Suggestions]] > [!info] > ## Key Takeaways ## Summary *The Age of Addiction: How Bad Habits Became Big Business* by David T. Courtwright is a historical exploration of how industries have cultivated and profited from addictive behaviors. The book traces the rise of "limbic capitalism"—a system where businesses exploit human brain chemistry to promote consumption of harmful products like drugs, junk food, gambling, and digital media. Courtwright argues that modern [[Capitalism]] has perfected techniques to hijack our natural reward systems, leading to widespread addiction. He examines the historical development of addictive substances (e.g., tobacco, alcohol, opioids) and behaviors (e.g., gambling, [[Social Media]]), showing how [[Corporations]] have refined marketing and product design to maximize dependency. The book also discusses regulatory failures and societal costs, calling for stronger public [[Health]] measures to counter these profit-driven manipulations. Ultimately, *The Age of Addiction* highlights the dangerous intersection of [[Neuroscience]], commerce, and consumer [[Culture]], urging a reevaluation of how [[Society]] manages addictive products. ## Quotes - ## Notes His other book, Forces of Habit: Drugs and the Making of the Modern World, ‘Incredibly interesting book! I had to read it for a masters course in world history and I absolutely loved it and found it incredibly intriguing. If you are interested in history, especially the history of drug use throughout the course of human existence, this is a must read for you!‘ `Concepts:` `Knowledge Base:` [[Books index]]