Predictably Irrational

The more I learn about the brain's knowledge the more convinced I am of how little real and dependable knowledge the brain actually has. Good for me. It is about damn time. I am a tough nut to crack when it comes to what I think I know.

Lately, I find myself reading books and listening to interviews about the brain and its workings. "Predictably Irrational" by MIT Professor Daniel Ariely is one of those books. In truth, this was my first ever audio book. I feel so dirty and ashamed because I love books so much! However, I had a new GPS device that allowed for downloading and playing books into my fm stero system. I feel so sleazy.  The trip was long enough, and my brain was interested, so I went for it. Typical man! :o)

Daniel Ariely is a behavioral economist. It is about time. Not only is he a behavioral economist, but he is one that does empirical research. Oh My God! You mean this might actually have some basis in day to day living?

I allow myself to be judgmental, sarcastic, and smug in this instance since I scored 2nd highest in my freshman college class in econmomics and then barely escaped failing microeconomics thanks to a friend who was a double major in pre-med and economics coaching me through Dr. Gray's final. It took him less than 2 hours. I got a B on the final and moved on. Marty went on to Medical school after graduating university in 3 years. What a guy! I am still grateful to Marty, and bafflled by Econ.

I insanely kept a minor in economics, but a whole lot of it didn't sit well with me. Now I know why after how many years?

The sad thing is that while listening to this book, I was so busted. The decisons that people make (me included) are so very much influenced by outside factors that may not having anything to do with the true merits of the situation at hand. As I read through the stories and very readable studies he conducted, I saw many of the same decisions I have made. But I am soooo unique! Not.

I saw myself and my decision making falling into the same irrational tendencies as many of those people in the studies. So, I am not feeling so smug now. The double edged sword of judgment slices away at the very thinking and conclusions it renders.

The value in the book is from a number of perspectives. First of all, it nails economists and some of their academic b.s. about how people make decisions economically. Secondly, it calls me out on all my ideas about how clever I am. That was a very good thing actually from the standpoint of awareness. Also, it is easy, funny, and informative reading about noneconomic behavior. For example, how predictable do you think our decision making is before and after we are sexually aroused? Seems like the standards change a bit. I am sure I am the only one that identifies with that experience.

Elizabeth Kolbert with the New Yorker writes an excellent, accurate, and fair review in this New Yorker magazine article "What Was I Thinking?" I highly recommend it if you are the least bit curious.

If you want to read Dan Ariely's predictably irrational blog, it is interesting. Not nearly as interesting as the book but compelling none the less.