Predictably Irrational

The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions

By: Dan Ariely

Narrated by: Simon Jones

Length: 7 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

Why do our headaches persist after taking a one-cent aspirin but disappear when we take a 50-cent aspirin? Why does recalling the 10 Commandments reduce our tendency to lie, even when we couldn't possibly be caught? Why do we splurge on a lavish meal but cut coupons to save 25 cents on a can of soup? Why do we go back for second helpings at the unlimited buffet, even when our stomachs are already full? And how did we ever start spending $4.15 on a cup of coffee when, just a few years ago, we used to pay less than a dollar?

When it comes to making decisions in our lives, we think we're in control. We think we're making smart, rational choices. But are we? In a series of illuminating, often surprising experiments, MIT behavioral economist Dan Ariely refutes the common assumption that we behave in fundamentally rational ways. Blending everyday experience with groundbreaking research, Ariely explains how expectations, emotions, social norms, and other invisible, seemingly illogical forces skew our reasoning abilities.

Not only do we make astonishingly simple mistakes every day, but we make the same types of mistakes, Ariely discovers. We consistently overpay, underestimate, and procrastinate. We fail to understand the profound effects of our emotions on what we want, and we overvalue what we already own. Yet these misguided behaviors are neither random nor senseless. They're systematic and predictable - making us predictably irrational.

From drinking coffee to losing weight, from buying a car to choosing a romantic partner, Ariely explains how to break through these systematic patterns of thought to make better decisions. Predictably Irrational will change the way we interact with the world - one small decision at a time.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.

©2008 Dan Ariely (P)2008 HarperCollins Publishers

very helpful insights into decision making

very very insighful and highly recommended for anyone trying to understand why we are the way we Are when it comes to decision making.

logical review

excellent examples that can be applied every day

A Roadmap to Human Behavior

What a fantastic book! I am a student of human behavior, constantly assessing and learning. I am also a student of logic. So, imagine my excitement at reading Dan Ariely’s book. I thoroughly enjoyed every second of the book. Some of the experiments left me a bit shocked (I’ll let you discover those for yourself), but they show how dedicated Dr. Ariely is to furthering the field of behavioral economics and by extension, bettering our lives. I highly recommend this book to everyone, as it is about human behavior under circumstances from just about every walk of life. Everyone on the planet will be able to relate to this book.

interesting book

nice book, reveals some mysteries of the human psyche. looks at economics from a different perspective;)

fala

Amazing amazing amazing amazing amazing amazing amazing amazing amazing amazing amazing amazing amazing amazing amazing amazing how about the following Sunday and I love you and thank

Finally a fun book

I've been listening to quite a few books this year. All of which are in the none fiction genre. Most are ok, some ok but tend to drag on for ever, some are fun and straight to the point and not to long, this book is one of those. Got through this one in two days which is fast for me. I recommend this book for none fiction junkies. :)

Gave me a new perspective in every chapter!!!

Loved it! Hooked to the idea of irrationality now... Will read a lot more about it...

Fascinating book by a fascinating man

My biggest problem with this book is the fact that Ariely keeps saying interesting things about people's irrationality and this somehow invalidates economics 101. I'm a student of economics and this just isn't true. I can almost hear a hesitancy in his voice to suggest that what he found has vast implications for economics, as if a part of him knows it isn't true.

Aside from the economics, the book is pretty good. I really want to give it 1 star to be vain and vindictive in a small and meaningless way but I will rise above that and give it what I feel it deserves based on the material presented and ignore what Ariely says about economics.

Wonderful book

Reading this book will change the way you look at some things. It's a book that is hard to put down.

Great information for anyone coaching others.

Great information for anyone coaching others. it's a must read for coaches, personal trainers, social workers, and behavioral therapist.