The Upside of Irrationality

New York Times Bestseller

“Ariely is a genius at understanding human behavior: no economist does a better job of uncovering and explaining the hidden reasons for the weird ways we act.” — James Surowiecki, author of The Wisdom of Crowds

Behavioral economist and New York Times bestselling author of Predictably Irrational Dan Ariely offers a much-needed take on the irrational decisions that influence our dating lives, our workplace experiences, and our temptation to cheat in any and all areas. Fans of Freakonomics, Survival of the Sickest, and Malcolm Gladwell’s Blink and The Tipping Point will find many thought-provoking insights in The Upside of Irrationality.

How can large bonuses sometimes make CEOs less productive?

Why is revenge so important to us?

How can confusing directions actually help us?

Why is there a difference between what we think will make us happy and what really makes us happy?

In his groundbreaking book, Predictably Irrational, Ariely revealed the multiple biases that lead us to make unwise decisions. Now, in The Upside of Irrationality, he exposes the surprising negative and positive effects irrationality can have on our lives. Focusing on our behaviors at work and in relationships, he offers new insights and eye-opening truths about what really motivates us on the job, how one unwise action can become a long-term bad habit, how we learn to love the ones we’re with, and more. The Upside of Irrationality will change the way we see ourselves at work and at home—and cast our irrational behaviors in a more nuanced light.

Why do we so often act against our own best interests—and what are the unexpected upsides of our irrationality?
Motivation and Performance: Discover why multi-million dollar bonuses can actually make CEOs less productive, and what truly drives us to do our best work.The IKEA Effect: An explanation for why we overvalue the things we build ourselves, from flat-pack furniture to our own not-quite-perfect ideas.Revenge and Justice: A surprising look at why the drive to get even is so important to us and how it helps maintain social order.Love and Relationships: Ariely uses his own story of recovering from severe burns to explore how we adapt to our circumstances and learn to love the ones we’re with.