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

Wonderful book. Couldn't stop listening

Wonderful book. Found the premise to be very interesting and the writing very approachable. 15 words

The Simple Truths

This book is written in a way that will open your eyes and alter your perception of the human mind. It is full of gems that will make you take an in-depth view of human nature and your own personal habits. Excellent narration.

Loved it, great author

Loved it, great author. Looking forward for his other books. I also follow the author on Facebook. Loved the book, clear and intelligent.

Surprisingly interesting and applicable

I was surprised how much I enjoyed this book. The stories and examples were interesting and easy to understand. At the end of each section, he explains what the lesson is for our lives. Some of the lessons are business related and others were society based lessons. No sex exactly, but I was a little uncomfortable during the chapter on decisions made in an aroused state and I think I would have my teenage son skip that chapter. They had the subjects masturbate and asked them sexual questions related to that experiment. The take away lesson from that chapter is that we need to teach teenagers to stay away from an aroused state since they make poor decisions when aroused. Overall I enjoyed learning about why we make decisions and know it will help me recognize some of the strategies marketers use to influence our decisions.

great book

this book was requirement for my macroeconomics class. I found this book extremely enjoyable and I find myself analyzing my decisions more now.

great book, fun read

great book, fun read, lots of good stuff there, tho I was hoping for more

Ironically Rational

What did you like best about this story?

If you would have asked me if I do irrational things prior to reading this book, I would have said no. Now I'd say yes, some things, but you do too. This book presents many rationally structured studies about human behavior and their results. It's nice that it has many little parts, all of which would be interesting on their own.

Humorous and enlightening

This is a very fact-dense, but humorous explanation of several sociology and psychology experiments, interspersed with a few anecdotes. Occasionally illicits a small chuckle. Worth the listen.

Will wake you up to marketing truth

I enjoyed reading this book because it points out simple fundamental flaws in our thinking when it comes to buying stuff. We are so programmed through advertisements like getting a $10 for a $1 and a $20 card for $8 when both offers are next two each other. I've seen this and had someone point out the first is best, but people bought the second more times than I have digits to count on. Why? Well read the book and it will make complete sense what is really going on like the explain above. I really did like this book and it will have a lasting impact on my life.

Behavioral Economics

The science that says we are not rational and there are forces influencing our decision making.