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Predictably Irrational

The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions

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Predictably Irrational

By: Dan Ariely
Narrated by: Simon Jones
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About this listen

Why do smart people make irrational decisions every day? The answers will surprise you. Predictably Irrational is an intriguing, witty and utterly original look at why we all make illogical decisions.

Why can a 50p aspirin do what a 5p aspirin can't? If an item is "free" it must be a bargain, right? Why is everything relative, even when it shouldn't be? How do our expectations influence our actual opinions and decisions?

In this astounding book, behavioural economist Dan Ariely cuts to the heart of our strange behaviour, demonstrating how irrationality often supplants rational thought and that the reason for this is embedded in the very structure of our minds.

Predicatably Irrational brilliantly blends everyday experiences with a series of illuminating and often surprising experiments, that will change your understanding of human behaviour. And, by recognising these patterns, Ariely shows that we can make better decisions in business, in matters of collective welfare, and in our everyday lives from drinking coffee to losing weight, buying a car to choosing a romantic partner.

©2008 Dan Ariely (P)2016 HarperCollins Publishers Ltd Consciousness & Thought Creativity Personal Development Personal Success Philosophy Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Social Psychology & Interactions Business

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Critic reviews

‘A marvelous book that is both thought provoking and highly entertaining, ranging from the power of placebos to the pleasures of Pepsi. Ariely unmasks the subtle but powerful tricks that our minds play on us, and shows us how we can prevent being fooled.’ Jerome Groopman, New York Times bestselling author of How Doctors Think

‘PREDICTABLY IRRATIONAL is wildly original. It shows why—much more often than we usually care to admit—humans make foolish, and sometimes disastrous, mistakes. Ariely not only gives us a great read; he also makes us much wiser.’ George Akerlof, Nobel Laureate in Economics, 2001 Koshland Professor of Economics, University of California at Berkeley

‘Dan Ariely is one of the most original and consistently interesting social scientists I know. His research covers an unusually broad range of topics, and in every one of them he has produced some distinctive findings and ideas. His methodological inventiveness is remarkable.’ Daniel Kahneman, Nobel Prize in Economics, 2002
All stars
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The writer and narrator are a perfect match. Would highly recommend this book and audible

Woow

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I was already reading the book, but wanted to try audio...after you get in the zone, it's awesome..so much helpful information that just makes you think.. definitely recommend.

First audio book I tried....loved it

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My take alway; our behaviour doesn’t confirm to rational economic theory and Dan advocates behavioural economics to build better models / predictions because our decisions still follow patterns.

I enjoyed the experiments and insights into social and market norms, ditto qualification of our super ego for work, money and relationships today.

Was your back story a hint of narcissism Dan? It didn’t add much for me aside from humanising the storyteller and delivering a much loved American tale of triumph over adversity.

Our behaviour is the key to understanding markets and so much more

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I found the book very interesting. It gives oversight in to the things we all do. The reader conveyed the irony and humour nicely. Well read indeed.

interesting and amusing

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Amusingly written, and many very interesting ideas backed up with anecdotes. Not deep on why we do these things, but that makes it easy to consume.

Great

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Great book providing behavioural science theories, research and real world outcomes. Dan Ariely is a genius! Highly recommend.

Insightful!

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insightful book and entertaining narration. compared to other books based on academic research, I found it well flowing, also thanks to the empirical natural of the experiments quoted.

insightful book and entertaining narration

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Loved this, well written and spoken.
Great examples and amazing findings which spark ideas and thoughts into my work and life.
If you love understanding human behaviour you will love this!

My favourite book on the subject thus far

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A well written and beautifully read explanation of how our behaviour often fails our expectations

Fascinating insight

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Hard to sum up the book it reads much like Influence by Robert cildini which covers how we so little about our own decisions, this including influence are one of 10 most important reads.

Fantastic read on our Irrationalitys

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