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A review by cari1268
Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions by Dan Ariely
4.0
I enjoyed Predictably Irrational. I didn't know that behavioral economics was a thing. I will keep an eye out for books on this topic as I find it fascinating. I hope that I am a smarter consumer after reading this book.
While the subject is interesting, I know a lot of props has to go to the author. Aierly was engaging and participated in a lot of studies with unexpected results. Humans can be quite stupid.
I know this book is one that will stick with me. Just the other day I found myself going out to dinner and explaining to my dinner mates how ordering out loud makes us more likely to order something that we don't like. I tried to convince my husband that we could order the same thing but to no avail.
I do have a few criticisms. Ariely sometimes gave problematic advice. I couldn't tell if he was being sarcastic or serious. The most egregious piece of advice had to be when he suggested finding a less attractive friend when going out. Studies show this will earn a person more dates but I sure would be sad if people engaged in such behavior. I hope people don't sit around thinking about if they're more or less attractive than their friends.
There was sexism and fat phobia in Predictably Irrational. Ariely sometimes came to overly sweeping conclusions or used anecdotal evidence. This was not a perfect read.
My last complaint is no fault of the author. This book is a little dated. I read blackberry and then had to look at the publication year-2008. The age shows a bit.
4 Stars
While the subject is interesting, I know a lot of props has to go to the author. Aierly was engaging and participated in a lot of studies with unexpected results. Humans can be quite stupid.
I know this book is one that will stick with me. Just the other day I found myself going out to dinner and explaining to my dinner mates how ordering out loud makes us more likely to order something that we don't like. I tried to convince my husband that we could order the same thing but to no avail.
I do have a few criticisms. Ariely sometimes gave problematic advice. I couldn't tell if he was being sarcastic or serious. The most egregious piece of advice had to be when he suggested finding a less attractive friend when going out. Studies show this will earn a person more dates but I sure would be sad if people engaged in such behavior. I hope people don't sit around thinking about if they're more or less attractive than their friends.
There was sexism and fat phobia in Predictably Irrational. Ariely sometimes came to overly sweeping conclusions or used anecdotal evidence. This was not a perfect read.
My last complaint is no fault of the author. This book is a little dated. I read blackberry and then had to look at the publication year-2008. The age shows a bit.
4 Stars