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

Really interesting

I found myself talking about this book a lot, which is a good indicator of how interesting it is. It's not too long for its subject, which is important to me. I recommend it.

Surprised to learn humans are Irrational?

Unflattering but true. We shouldn’t be surprised but we are, to learn that we’re all “still crazy after all these years”, to quote Paul Simon. Thanks to you for showing us how empirical data, not conjecture, can help us better understand ourselves. CBT therapists endorse your belief that we can change our irrational beliefs.

Enjoyed it

I enjoyed this book a lot and I could relate to it in daily life.

Essentially the book and content is based on research so it makes it very interesting. I will be ready this again together with Influence by Robert Cialdini.

Tip: I increased the speed to 1.5x so you may do same or 1.25x to get the best from the narration.

Real Economics

What did you love best about Predictably Irrational?

This book changed my view of economic theory. I hold 3 business degrees and being taught how to do a cost/benefit analysis, logical choices just never panned out in reality. Dan Ariely shows how we are not logical in our choices in the way we think and choose. Makes me think twice and make better choices for myself.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Predictably Irrational?

The tendency to cheat for profit, especially if we are removed from "actual money".

why intelligent ppl make irrational decisions

Could not stop listening...so many examples and real life scenarios tested which show our human flaws : dishonesty, impulses, peer influences, and thievery. We are all susceptible to throwing our integrity out the window. Recognizing these moments of potential weakness will help us make the right decisions and avoid unethical behavior.

Society (the world) can benefit if everyone listened or read this excellent book.

great book

book goes into a lot of different studies of human behavior. fascinating conclusions from real scientific studies. good read.

Stop the Music!

This is a wonderful book, with a great reader. But the music, presumably added for the CD version, drove me crazy each time it irrationally inserted itself.

Interesting book, albeit somewhat lengthy at times

I found this book to be very insightful. The experiments that the author brings up delve into odd aspects of human behavior that, once pointed out to you, seem obvious. Overall a good book, but sometimes he drags out the conclusions of groups of experiments when the synthesis of the facts and the resulting point is obvious a few minutes back. Give it a try if you like studies of odd (yet predictable, as the author argues) human behavior.

Excellent

Very interesting data great book. It really covered a lot of great ground on human rationality.

An Irrationally Good Read

Another fantastic book in the fascinating field of behavioral economics. If you like Thinking, Fast and Slow or Misbehaving then this is a book for you.