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

If you have purchase ANYTHING, check out this book

What did you love best about Predictably Irrational?

How easily we can be twisted like someone's play dough. The author is an expert and he revealed that he was and still is effected by these principles. Listen to this book and you will wonder how did the human race make this far.

Any additional comments?

If you purchase ANYTHING, then this book is for you. It brings to light how and why we buy. It is scary to think of our choices. You will be amazed!

Brilliant!

Dan Ariely, in his very direct and honest and amusing way presents his findings, all based on experiments. It is so simple clear and convincing that it is time people understand that the "Science of Economics" has to make a big shift.
Marketers know this for a long time, they just didn't tell the academic world...

Relevant and Interesting

Who knew data could be so interesting?
Relevant to relationships.
Relevant to marketing.
Relevant to finances.

A fantastic book

Well written and read. This book really challenges the beliefs we have about ourselves and how we think.

I liked the snarky British accent

The different examples of predictive irrational behaviors from social to market economy. Especially examples where free VS paying a small amount to gain a greater profit.

Entertaining and Educational

The book is really funny, insightful and made me think a lot about why I do things I do. Though I found it a great intro to behavioral economics, it's worth reading for entertainment value alone. The narration is top rate and the pace is great.

I didn't agree with most of the recommendations he makes based on the results of his studies, but the studies in themselves are very educational and he leaves plenty of room to draw your own conclusions. I was also disappointed by chapter 5 which is clearly sensationalism and I found embarrassing to listen to. If you've got kids in the car, you'll definitely want to skip that chapter. Other than those minor qualms, it's a great book.

Why we can't make rational economic decisions

A must read for anyone interested in how the human brain is wired. Our brains don't always permit us to be market participants and act in our own best interest. This is demonstrated through some surprising studies.

fresh

The book seemed very fresh and made me aware of several irrational behaviour personal and generic level.Nice read.Authors voice is decent but gets little boring towards the end

Highly recommended. Very insightful.

I found this book very enjoyable. I have been fascinated with behavioral science and found this full of insights that will both help me and make me crazy ;o). Plus the charm of a British narrator never hurts. Thank you Dan for this book and your research.

Great Read!

I was surprised about how entertaining this book was. it was also very insightful! Highly recommend!