Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions
by Dan Ariely
Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions by Dan Ariely holds a highly rated rating of 4.10 out of 5, based on 61.5K reader ratings. First published in 2007. The book spans 400 pages.
About Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions
Why do our headaches persist after taking a one-cent aspirin but disappear when we take a 50-cent aspirin?Why does recalling the Ten Commandments reduce our tendency to lie, even when we couldn't possibly be caught?Why do we splurge on a lavish meal but cut coupons to save twenty-five cents on a can of soup?Why do we go back for second helpings at the unlimited buffet, even when our stomachs are already full?And how did we ever start spending $4.15 on a cup of coffee when, just a few years ago, we used to pay less than a dollar?When it comes to making decisions in our lives, we think we're in control. We think we're making smart, rational choices. But are we?In a series of illuminating, often surprising experiments, MIT behavioral economist Dan Ariely refutes the common assumption that we behave in fundamentally rational ways. Blending everyday experience with groundbreaking research, Ariely explains how expectations, emotions, social norms, and other invisible, seemingly illogical forces skew our reasoning abilities.Not only do we make astonishingly simple mistakes every day, but we make the same "types" of mistakes, Ariely discovers. We consistently overpay, underestimate, and procrastinate. We fail to understand the profound effects of our emotions on what we want, and we overvalue what we already own. Yet these misguided behaviors are neither random nor senseless. They're systematic and predictable--making us "predictably" irrational.From drinking coffee to losing weight, from buying a car to choosing a romantic partner, Ariely explains how to break through these systematic patterns of thought to make better decisions. "Predictably Irrational" will change the way we interact with the world--one small decision at a time.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Author | Dan Ariely |
| Published | 2007 |
| Pages | 400 |
| Genres | Non-Fiction, Psychology, Business, Science, Self-Help |
| Average Rating | 4.10 / 5.00 |
| Total Ratings | 61,496 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What genre is Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions?
Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions is categorized as Non-Fiction, Psychology, Business, Science. Its primary genre classification is Science.
Is Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions worth reading?
Based on 61.5K reader ratings, Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions has an average score of 4.10 out of 5.00, which is considered "Highly Rated." Its large number of reviews suggests broad reader appeal.
How many pages is Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions?
Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions has 400 pages.
Who wrote Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions?
Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions was written by Dan Ariely. It was first published in 2007.
What is the ISBN for Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions?
The ISBN-13 for Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions is 9780061353240.0.
Data sourced from community book ratings and reviews. Last updated: April 15, 2026
