I’ve just finished reading The Parasitic Mind: How Infectious Ideas Are Killing Common Sense by Gad Saad—and it’s one of those books that stays with you long after you’ve turned the final page. It’s bold, unapologetic, and often provocative, but above all, it’s a wake-up call.

Saad, an evolutionary behavioural scientist, argues that Western society is suffering from a kind of mental infection. Not in the biological sense, but ideologically. He calls these “idea pathogens”—concepts that have taken root in academia and spread like wildfire through media, corporate life, and public discourse.

Idea Pathogens and the Collapse of Reason

Some of the ideas Saad takes aim at include postmodernism, cultural and moral relativism, radical feminism, identity politics, and the trend toward safe spaces and microaggressions. What unites them, he argues, is a rejection of objective truth and a growing hostility to critical thinking.

Instead of encouraging robust debate, these frameworks often shut it down. They prioritise feelings over facts, group identity over individuality, and conformity over curiosity. In the process, we lose the very tools we need to navigate a complex world—reason, evidence, and open dialogue.

Ostrich Parasitic Syndrome

One of Saad’s most memorable metaphors is what he calls Ostrich Parasitic Syndrome—the tendency to bury one’s head in the sand rather than confront uncomfortable truths. We’ve all seen this play out: people who refuse to acknowledge biological realities, historical facts, or the logical implications of their own ideologies, simply because doing so would cause cognitive dissonance.

It’s not just frustrating—it’s dangerous. Saad argues that when we let ideology overrule reality, we not only lose our grip on truth, we invite real harm. Policy decisions, educational practices, and cultural norms get shaped not by what is, but by what sounds virtuous—regardless of outcome.

The Antidote: Evolutionary Thinking and Free Speech

So what’s the cure? For Saad, it’s a return to evolutionary reasoning. He believes the scientific method, grounded in biology and human nature, offers a solid defence against intellectual fads. More importantly, he champions the absolute necessity of free speech—not just as a legal right, but as a moral and epistemological imperative.

We need the freedom to think out loud, to challenge bad ideas, and to be wrong. Without that, we can’t arrive at truth.

My Take

There’s a lot to appreciate here. Saad’s writing is clear, punchy, and often funny. He doesn’t hold back, and while some may find his tone combative, it feels like a necessary provocation. He’s someone who deeply values truth, and isn’t afraid to call out the cognitive dissonance in contemporary cultural norms.

That said, the book isn’t without its flaws. At times, Saad paints with a broad brush. Complex ideas like feminism or postmodern theory are sometimes reduced to caricatures. There’s little room for nuance or for acknowledging the ways these movements have also served justice or liberation. But maybe that’s not the point. This isn’t a balanced academic treatise—it’s a polemic. A punch in the gut, not a gentle conversation.

Why It Matters

In an age when simply asking a question can be considered offensive, The Parasitic Mind is a reminder that intellectual courage matters. That disagreeing with an ideology doesn’t make you immoral. That truth-seeking, however messy or unpopular, is a moral act.

It also challenges us—especially those in education, leadership, or public life—to be honest about the ideas we absorb and the ones we pass on. Not every trend deserves a platform. Some ideas should be debated; others should be discarded.

If you’re someone who values open inquiry and feels a bit disoriented by the direction of public discourse, this book might just feel like a lifeline.