nekomancer42's review
2.0
Other authors, particularly Robert Cialdini, have done a better job of presenting the material covered in Predictably Irrational. Dan Ariely's voice can be annoying at times, especially when he makes incorrect conclusions regarding changes in habit he thinks people should make based on the research. Despite its flaws, Predictably Irrational covers some interesting research, and may make for a relatively fun and educational read. Just don't take Ariely too seriously.
treyhunner's review
4.0
After reading this, I feel like I need to carry around a check list of irrationalities to remember every day.
Some takeaways:
- We react more morally using social norms rather than market norms, but once market norms take over it's difficult to switch back to social ones. If you're planning to switch from a tip jar to a price, be careful if you might ever switch back.
- We are much more willing to steal when the thing we are stealing isn't cold hard cash. Beware of hidden costs and hidden theft.
- Watch out when comparing relative costs. We'll drive across the street to save $10 on something that's cheap but not on something that's expensive.
- Free is much more powerful than cheap. Stop coveting free things.
- Owners value their goods much more than buyers.
- Options distract us from actually getting anything done.
- We cheat less when reminded of a moral benchmark.
- When other people order food before us, we will change our order to something different and will be less happy with our order overall.
Some takeaways:
- We react more morally using social norms rather than market norms, but once market norms take over it's difficult to switch back to social ones. If you're planning to switch from a tip jar to a price, be careful if you might ever switch back.
- We are much more willing to steal when the thing we are stealing isn't cold hard cash. Beware of hidden costs and hidden theft.
- Watch out when comparing relative costs. We'll drive across the street to save $10 on something that's cheap but not on something that's expensive.
- Free is much more powerful than cheap. Stop coveting free things.
- Owners value their goods much more than buyers.
- Options distract us from actually getting anything done.
- We cheat less when reminded of a moral benchmark.
- When other people order food before us, we will change our order to something different and will be less happy with our order overall.
hannah8ball's review against another edition
3.0
finished just in time for book club! Some of his chapters got a bit repetitive. However, the general ideas are quite interesting and very valuable in daily life. Glad I read this!
sabrinavee's review against another edition
4.0
interesting, but would've been better if I didn't have to read it for class
gorillahands's review against another edition
4.0
A way to view the world differently and to see how we are not the logical, reason driven beings that we believe we are. I was able to relate very early and through the book before towards the end, i was not able to relate as much. But maybe it was me being irrational.