Predictably Irrational
Dan Ariely
HarperCollins
Nonfiction, Psychology
****
Description
Human beings, despite what the poets say, are imperfect and irrational beings. We jump at the word “Free!” even when a simple pause for calculation reveals the
hidden costs. We waste time, effort, emotion, and money keeping options open in our lives that no longer serve us. We respond to placebos exactly as we respond to
actual medication or treatment. We do things in the heat of the moment which, with a cool head, we’d never imagine ourselves capable of. We justify and rationalize
and deliberately turn a blind eye to our own behavior, even when it harms others and ourselves. But why?
The author, a professor at MIT, has spent years studying how well-intentioned and intelligent people can repeatedly and consistently make poor choices… and how a little
awareness can help dramatically.
Review
This is one of those books explaining something most of us know intuitively, but never took seriously. “Of course,” you say,”we all do stupid things, but does it matter?” Yes, Ariely argues, it most certainly does, especially when so many institutions are based upon unrealistic models of human behavior. While many assume that, given the choice, people always take the most cost-effective and beneficial choice despite temporary irrational impulses, this book demonstrates that such assumptions are not only unrealistic but potentially harmful. He isn’t justifying outlandish or crudely deviant behavior, but pointing out – through studies clearly explained and outlined – how even “everyday” irrationality is both commonplace and costly. Despite the very real damages and dangers, demonstrated time and again in study after study, surprisingly few people take this well-known aspect of human behavior into consideration when making policies or laws, or even designing education courses. It makes for interesting reading.