Informative and enjoyable to read, but a little superficial

Informative and enjoyable to read, but a little superficial

Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions (Paperback)

Customer Review

This book describes a series of experiments that challenge the usual economic assumptions homo economicus, maximizing utility, fully informed, etc. Dan Ariely shows amazing effects:
- An expensive placebo may be more effective than a placebo cheap
- A first impression (read the 10 commandments, or last digits of No. Safely) can sustainably influence our preferences later
- We are particularly sensitive options or free products and to products whose characteristics are readily comparable

However, throughout the book, the same fault recurs regularly. The author states explicitly "rational choice would be this ..."; then it shows that people's behavior differs from that choice; and therefore suggests corrective measures. For example, people tend to disregard certain "resolutions" save, stop smoking, eat less fat. Hence the need to set up an automatic savings on the pay slip, banning smoking in public places, banning trans fats, etc. The problem is that say "this is what would be rational" is a very subjective judgment of value. Saving is good, but consumption has its benefits too; smoking is "cool"; and fries, that's good! Dan Ariely makes judgments of value rather quickly on certain topics. Hence a tendency to draw hasty conclusions just so we would have liked further reflection.

Apart from this a bit annoying aspect, the book provides information that may interest marketing, where the quality perception, comparison, price, etc. are important.

A worse Test Drive Unlimited Rank: 3/5
October 6
Why "pro"? Rank: 3/5
June 18
Map of Win7 and Mac Rank: 4/5
December 8
is located at amazon Rank: 5/5
March 10
Perfect 1 4519 Rank: 5/5
August 17

Related Reviews


nice to read but a little shortThe judge (Paperback) Compliant and comfortable to wear, but a little light (fragile)Puma Quarter - Sports Socks - UK - 2 Pack - Girl (Clothing) Compliant and comfortable to wear, but a little small (weak) 1Puma Quarter - Sports Socks - 3 Pack - Male (Sports Apparel) Informative and easy to readNational Geographic (magazine) Means for one who truly seeks specific information - but very fun and enjoyable to read!I would raise many chickens! (Paperback) Book indispensable and enjoyable to readIntroduction to Medieval Philosophy (Paperback) Book very informative and easy to readResponsive Web Design, No. 4 (Paperback) Really well done and enjoyable to read.Harry Potter, Book 6: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Paperback) Very informative and interesting to readSelect all (Paperback) Beautiful and practical ... but a little fragileLuxury Wallet Case Cover Purple for Acer Liquid Z5 Duo and 3 + PEN FILM OFFERED !! (Electronic devices) Rewarding and enjoyable to read.The Alchemist Meissen: the extraordinary story of the invention of porcelain in Europe (Paperback) Much information and easy to readFrommer's San Diego (Paperback) Excellent book, clear and enjoyable to readThe Practical Guide to garden squares: Everything to plan and cultivate (Paperback) Informative and enjoyableThe soul of plants: small botanical curiosities (Hardcover) Very full and enjoyable to read GuideCrete (Paperback) suspense and action, as usual, but a little worse than othersMan upside (Paperback) Very complete, synthetic and enjoyable to read! A must!Paragliding: Initiation and progress (Paperback) A very exotic trilogy and enjoyable to read.The trilogy Wielstadt (Paperback) interesting and enjoyable to read.Hand in Traditional Chinese Medicine (Paperback)