Predictably Irrational, Revised and Expanded Edition Book Summary

In 'Predictably Irrational', Dan Ariely delves into the hidden forces that shape our decisions, revealing how we often act against our own best interests in surprising ways. Through engaging experiments, he uncovers the psychological biases and societal influences that drive our seemingly irrational behaviors. Ariely challenges the notion of human rationality, showing that our choices are often predictable and systematically flawed. This revised and expanded edition offers fresh insights, making it essential reading for anyone looking to understand the intricacies of human decision-making. Prepare to rethink your understanding of choice and discover how to make better decisions in an unpredictable world.

By Dan Ariely

Published: 2010

"Our irrational behaviors, while often unpredictable, follow a systematic pattern that reveals the hidden drivers of our decision-making."

Book Review of Predictably Irrational, Revised and Expanded Edition

Why do our headaches persist after we take a one-cent aspirin but disappear when we take a fifty-cent aspirin? Why do we splurge on a lavish meal but cut coupons to save twenty-five cents on a can of soup? When it comes to making decisions in our lives, we think we're making smart, rational choices. But are we? In this newly revised and expanded edition of the groundbreaking New York Times bestseller, Dan Ariely refutes the common assumption that we behave in fundamentally rational ways. From drinking coffee to losing weight, from buying a car to choosing a romantic partner, we consistently overpay, underestimate, and procrastinate. Yet these misguided behaviors are neither random nor senseless. They're systematic and predictable—making us predictably irrational.

Similar books you might like →

Showing 8 of 27 similar books

Similar Book Recommendations →

James Clear's Book Recommendations

James Clear is the author of the bestselling book Atomic Habits, which focuses on the power of small habits and incremental improvements to achieve significant personal and professional growth. Clear’s writing blends insights from psychology, neuroscience, and productivity to provide practical strategies for building better habits. His work has helped millions of people create positive changes in their lives by focusing on the process rather than the outcome. James’s clear, actionable advice has made him a sought-after speaker and thought leader in the field of personal development.

Self-ImprovementProductivity

Mark Manson's Book Recommendations

Mark Manson is a best-selling author and personal development expert known for his candid and no-nonsense approach to self-help. His most notable work, "The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck," has sold millions of copies worldwide and has been translated into numerous languages, resonating with readers for its practical advice and irreverent tone. Manson followed up with another successful book, "Everything Is F*cked: A Book About Hope," which further cemented his reputation as a thought leader in modern existentialism. In addition to his books, he runs a popular blog that delves into topics ranging from happiness to personal growth. His work has not only transformed the self-help genre but also influenced a global audience seeking authentic and actionable guidance.

Self-ImprovementMindfulnessLife Advice

Anna Cheng's Book Recommendations

Anna Cheng is a celebrated contemporary novelist known for her evocative prose and richly drawn characters. Her debut novel, "Whispers of the Ancients," garnered critical acclaim, securing a spot on the New York Times Bestseller list and earning her the Man Booker Prize. Cheng's subsequent works consistently explore themes of heritage, identity, and the immigrant experience, resonating with a global audience. She is also a recipient of the PEN/Faulkner Award, recognizing her contributions to American fiction. Beyond her literary pursuits, Cheng actively mentors emerging writers and participates in numerous literary festivals worldwide.

Memoirs and BiographiesInspiring ReadsCreativity and Innovation

Darya Rose's Book Recommendations

Darya Rose is a celebrated author and neuroscientist known for her influential work in the field of nutrition and healthy living. She gained widespread acclaim for her book *Foodist: Using Real Food and Real Science to Lose Weight Without Dieting*, which offers a science-based approach to weight management and healthy eating. Rose holds a Ph.D. in neuroscience from the University of California, San Francisco, which lends credibility to her evidence-based recommendations. In addition to her writing, she is the creator of the popular blog Summer Tomato, where she shares insights on food, health, and lifestyle. Rose's work has inspired many to adopt more mindful and sustainable eating habits, making a significant impact on the wellness community.

Wellness WisdomHealth and NutritionMindfulness

Nassim Nicholas Taleb's Book Recommendations

Nassim Nicholas Taleb is a Lebanese-American author, scholar, and risk analyst, best known for his work on uncertainty, probability, and risk. His books, including The Black Swan and Antifragile, explore how rare and unpredictable events shape the world and how individuals and systems can become more resilient to shocks. Taleb’s insights on risk management have influenced fields ranging from finance to medicine, and he is known for his outspoken criticism of conventional wisdom. His ideas about randomness, decision-making, and the limitations of human knowledge have made him a leading thinker in modern economics and philosophy.

Success Stories and Life LessonsSpirituality and PhilosophyBusiness and Leadership

Keith Rabois's Book Recommendations

Keith Rabois is a prominent American entrepreneur, investor, and author known for his significant contributions to the tech industry and startup ecosystem. He played crucial roles in the early success of companies like PayPal, LinkedIn, Square, and Yelp, earning a reputation as a skilled operator and strategic thinker. As a partner at Founders Fund and later at Khosla Ventures, Rabois has invested in and advised numerous successful startups. In addition to his business ventures, he has written insightful articles and essays on technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation, contributing to the broader discourse on these subjects. Rabois continues to influence the tech world with his strategic insights and thought leadership.

Business and LeadershipTechnology and FutureSuccess Stories and Life Lessons

David Heinemeier Hansson's Book Recommendations

David Heinemeier Hansson, also known as DHH, is a Danish programmer, entrepreneur, and author, best known as the creator of Ruby on Rails, a popular web application framework. Heinemeier Hansson is also a partner at Basecamp, a project management and collaboration software company he co-founded. His contributions to software development have earned him widespread recognition, with Ruby on Rails being used by thousands of developers and companies worldwide. Heinemeier Hansson is also a vocal advocate for remote work, simplicity in business, and sustainable work practices, ideas he explores in his bestselling books Rework and It Doesn’t Have to Be Crazy at Work. In addition to his work in tech, he is an accomplished race car driver, having competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Heinemeier Hansson’s approach to work-life balance and entrepreneurship has made him a thought leader in the tech community, where he continues to challenge traditional business practices and advocate for more human-centered approaches to work

Business and LeadershipProductivityInspiring Reads

Max Levchin's Book Recommendations

Max Levchin is a Ukrainian-American computer scientist and entrepreneur, best known as one of the co-founders of PayPal, where he served as the Chief Technology Officer. He has made significant contributions to the field of digital finance and technology innovation. Levchin also founded the consumer finance company Affirm, which aims to revolutionize the credit industry with transparent lending practices. Additionally, he co-authored several technical papers on computer security and has been a prominent advocate for tech entrepreneurship. His work has not only shaped digital payment systems but also influenced modern approaches to financial technology.

Business and LeadershipTechnology and FutureSuccess Stories and Life Lessons

Showing 8 of 11 related collections

Our irrational behaviors, while often unpredictable, follow a systematic pattern that reveals the hidden drivers of our decision-making.

Predictably Irrational, Revised and Expanded Edition

By Dan Ariely