Predictably Irrational The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions
In 1941 the philosopher Erich Fromm wrote a book called "Escape from Freedom". In a modern society, he said, people are beset not by a lack of opportunity, but by a dizzying abundance of it.
We should also pay particular attention to the first decision we make in what is going to be a long stream of decisions (about clothing, food, etc.). When we face such a decision, it might seem to us that this is just one decision, without large consequences; but in fact the power of the first decision can have such a long-lasting effect that it will percolate into our future decisions for years to come.
Humans rarely choose things in absolute terms. We don't have an internal value meter that tells us how much things are worth. Rather, we focus on the relative advantage of one thing over another, and estimate value accordingly.
madelynepryor replies...
Huh?
amalley replies...
It's a quote from the book that I wanted to remember.
Love this book thus far. It combines my liking of analytical thinking and experimentation. Sometimes it does run on and on about minute details but al in all it's a great read.
A really interesting book about how irrational we are. But he explains it all in a way that's very rational... Irony? Some interesting tricks for designers if you're in the business of understanding how people interact with stuff.
Additional information
- Pages: 304
- ISBN: 006135323X
- EAN: 9780061353239
- Dewey: 153.83
- Binding: Hardcover
- Publisher: HarperCollins
I'll never think we humans are rational beings ever again (not even the most intelligent one of us). It's simply shocking to realize how many of my own decisions in life have been affected in small, yet meaningful ways by irrational actions just like the ones described in Ariely's studies.
"Predictably Irrational" should be mandatory reading in high school. If you're inclined to think you're a rational, logical person, read this book and let me know how you feel afterward.
cored replies...
Already on my wishlist :-), check out the TED talk with him, is mindblowing too.