Someone recently asked me for recommendations on Behavioural Economists, and I am kicking myself for not having remembered Dan Ariely. Fortunately, iTunes brought this amazing scientist back to the forefront of my brain. Dan – his work, as well as how he delivers a message – is a pure delight.
In Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions, Dan sheds light on just how irrational human decision-making really is. Through academic research showcasing enlightening examples, Dan presents answers to questions such as “Why we can’t make ourselves do what we want to do?” and “Why options distract us from our main objective?” Predictably Irrational – and, indeed, all of Dan’s work – is a must read for anyone wanting to understand the foibles of human thought.
Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions is available for purchase on Amazon.
Worthy of mention unto itself is a new documentary featuring Dan’s more recent work on (Dis)honesty. This insightful film draws from real-world examples and Dan’s continued research, exploring why humans lie – and just how slippery a slope it is when once we start to fib. In watching Dan’s talks and hearing his narration throughout the film, I was reminded of what a great voice he has for conveying information. Dan is truly an exceptional thinker, with talents not just in understanding the human mind, but finding ways to make this knowledge accessible to a wider audience.
