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

Interesting!

Would you consider the audio edition of Predictably Irrational to be better than the print version?

I like both versions. I like having the book. But the narration and nature of the book lends itself well to listening also. Ariely is a fascinating man who conducts really fun and interesting research into human behavior. I don't agree with all of the ideas he brings forward as solutions to specific problems. But he just brings them forward for consideration, and they have merit and definitely provide food for thought.

What other book might you compare Predictably Irrational to and why?

It's a nice companion book for the Upside of Irrationality, which I believe the author intended.

Have you listened to any of Simon Jones’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Excellent, each one.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Surprise! Well, not so much.

fascinating.

this was a really great listen. this audiobook describes, through social experiments, how we think, act, and ultimately, what guides our decision making process. loved it. will listen again for sure.

Really fascinating book!

It was so good, I'm going to read it again. I learned so much about people and myself from this book.

Wow

Anyone in charge of people should read this book for a reminder that people are people

Very interesting book

Great humour, great topics, great book!
There are a couple studies that I don't agree with, thus the 4 star rating, but overall it's a great book to everyone!
I highly recommend.

One of my favorite books about economic behavior

How fools we are we think we are on driver seat while our mind always deciving us

Must read

Fantastic book with a very important concept. This is a must read for anyone who is interested in social sciences and interactions.

Interesting

If you could sum up Predictably Irrational in three words, what would they be?

Interesting, well articulated, worth a read

What other book might you compare Predictably Irrational to and why?

Black Swan, things are not what they seem

Have you listened to any of Simon Jones’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

no

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

interesting examples

Any additional comments?

I recommend

Eye opening internal and external reflection

This book is a must have for anyone on the path of becoming a better critical thinker. Easy to listen to. A 7 hour book that feels like a 2 hour book

things that make you go hmmmmmm!?!

I found this to be quite an eye opener. Makes you look back at some of your recent purchases and evaluate them with fresh eyes.