The Upside of Irrationality
The Unexpected Benefits of Defying Logic at Work and at Home
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3.7 • 90 Ratings
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- $14.99
Publisher Description
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.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Ariely (Predictably Irrational) expands his research on behavioral economics to offer a more positive and personal take on human irrationality s implications for life, business, and public policy. After a youthful accident left him badly scarred and facing grueling physical therapy, Ariely s treatment required him to accept temporary pain for long-term benefit a trade-off so antithetical to normal human behavior that it sparked the author s fascination with why we consistently fail to act in our own best interest. The author, professor of behavioral economics at Duke, leads us through experiments that reveals such idiosyncrasies as the IKEA effect (if you build something, pride and sentimental attachment are likely to give you an inflated sense of its quality) and the Baby Jessica effect (why we respond to one person s suffering but not to the suffering of many). He concludes with prescriptions for how to make real personal and societal changes, and what behavioral patterns we must identify to improve how we love, live, work, innovate, manage, and govern. Self-deprecating humor, an enthusiasm for human eccentricities, and an affable and snappy style make this read an enriching and eye-opening pleasure.
Customer Reviews
Price
Here is an idea: write a review on the book, not the price.
Feels like filler
I have heard the author speak and love his willingness to explore our common assumptions. This book, however, felt like "filler". Started reading, then skimming, then just gave up.
Too expensive
It's a good book, but for an E book it is overpriced