Review: Predictably Irrational

Title: Predictably Irrational : The Hidden Forces that Shape our Decisions

Author: Dan Ariely

Date Completed: 13 Dec 2016

Psychology has always intrigued me, but the emerging field of behavioral economics may prove to be even more fascinating in the end. The underlying assumption in traditional economics is that humans are rational most of the time. However, behavioral economists are finding that we may be more irrational than we'd like to think. The interesting thing is that our irrationality is predictable.

In this book, Ariely explores how humanity will buy and hoard stuff when it is cheap, but will limit ourselves when it is offered for free. How we have an irrational compulsion to keep our options/doors open even when it impacts us negatively. How dealing with physical money makes us more honest, but on-step removed and we fall into dishonesty.

This book will have you filling your conversations with "did you know...?" for weeks and totally rethink your decision-making skills. I'd highly recommend giving it a read. The human brain is a fascinating creation.