"Brandwashed: Tricks Companies Use to Manipulate Our Minds and Persuade Us to Buy" is a book by Martin Lindstrom that sheds light on the psychological techniques used by companies to influence consumer behavior. Here are some lessons you can draw from the book:

1. Consumer manipulation begins early: Companies begin targeting consumers from a very early age, sometimes even before birth, in an attempt to create brand loyalty. For example, marketers might target pregnant mothers with certain brand messages, hoping that it might influence their offspring.
2. Fear sells: Many companies use fear as a driving force for their sales. This could be fear of missing out, fear of social isolation, fear of illness or even fear of death. Understanding these tactics can help you be more discerning when making purchase decisions.
3. Nostalgia is powerful: Brands frequently tap into the power of nostalgia to compel consumers to buy their products. Lindstrom shows how certain brands use sensory triggers to connect with customers on a deeper emotional level, which can lead to brand loyalty and increased sales.
4. Peer pressure is a major influence: Companies often exploit the social aspect of our lives to sell their products. The influence of our peers and social groups is used to push us towards certain purchases. Social media and online reviews have only amplified this aspect.
5. Data and privacy: Companies often gather and use personal data to craft marketing strategies targeted towards individual consumers. This serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting your personal information and being mindful of what you share online.
6. Subconscious influence: Many marketing techniques are designed to influence us on a subconscious level. For example, brands may use certain colors, sounds, or scents that elicit particular responses. Retail environments may also be designed to influence our behavior and make us spend more.
7. Ethics of marketing: Lindstrom’s book also raises questions about the ethical implications of such marketing strategies. It's important to consider the morality of these tactics and whether they cross any lines.

Ultimately, Lindstrom’s book encourages consumers to become more informed about the marketing tactics used by companies. This allows for smarter and more independent purchasing decisions.