In 'The Upside of Irrationality', the author exposes the surprising negative and positive effects irrationality can have on our lives. Focusing on our behaviors at work and in relationships, he offers new insights about how one unwise action can become a long-term habit, how we learn to love the ones we're with, and more. From our office attitudes, to our romantic relationships, to our search for purpose in life, Ariely explains how to break through our negative patterns of thought and behavior to make better decisions. --from publisher description.
Record details
ISBN:9780061995033 (hc.) :
Physical Description:print xi, 334 p. : ill ; 24 cm.
Edition:1st ed.
Publisher:New York : Harper, 2010.
Content descriptions
Bibliography, etc. Note:
Includes bibliographical references and index.
Formatted Contents Note:
Introduction: Lessons from procrastination and medical side effects -- Paying more for less : why big bonuses don't always work -- The Meaning of labor : what Legos can teach us about the joy of work -- The IKEA effect : why we overvalue what we make -- The Not-invented here bias : why "my" ideas are better than "yours" -- The Case for revenge : what makes us seek justice? -- On adaptation : why we get used to things (but not all things, and not always) -- Hot or not? : adaptation, assortative mating, and the beauty market -- When a market fails : an example from online dating -- On empathy and emotion : why we respond to one person who needs help but not to many -- The Long-term effects of short-term emotions : why we shouldn't act on our negative feelings -- Lessons from our irrationalities : why we need to test everything.