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  • The Upside of Irrationality

  • The Unexpected Benefits of Defying Logic at Work and at Home
  • By: Dan Ariely
  • Narrated by: Simon Jones
  • Length: 8 hrs and 18 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (221 ratings)
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The Upside of Irrationality

By: Dan Ariely
Narrated by: Simon Jones
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Summary

The provocative follow-up to the New York Times best seller Predictably Irrational

  • Why can large bonuses make CEOs less productive?
  • How can confusing directions actually help us?
  • Why is revenge so important to us?
  • Why is there such a big difference between what we think will make us happy and what really makes us happy?

In his groundbreaking book Predictably Irrational, social scientist Dan Ariely revealed the multiple biases that lead us into making unwise decisions. Now, in The Upside of Irrationality, he 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 and eye-opening truths about what really motivates us on the job, how one unwise action can become a long-term habit, how we learn to love the ones we're with, and more.

Drawing on the same experimental methods that made Predictably Irrational one of the most talked-about bestsellers of the past few years, Ariely uses data from his own original and entertaining experiments to draw arresting conclusions about how and why we behave the way we do. 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. The Upside of Irrationality will change the way we see ourselves at work and at home and cast our irrational behaviors in a more nuanced light.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.

©2010 Dan Ariely (P)2010 HarperCollins Publishers

Critic reviews

"Self-deprecating humor, an enthusiasm for human eccentricities, and an affable and snappy style make this read an enriching and eye-opening pleasure." ( Publishers Weekly)

What listeners say about The Upside of Irrationality

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Brilliant book

Would you listen to The Upside of Irrationality again? Why?

Dan Ariely is a fatastic writer. This book was every bit as good as predictably irrational.

What does Simon Jones bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Simon Jones has a wonderful voice and his emphasis and delivery of humour is perfect. I enjoy his narrating so much I have added almost all the books he has narrated to my wishlist.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Builds on Predictably Irrational

Another winner - this does not repeat Predictably Irrational but adds and enhances.

One criticism is threat the promised 'Upside' is a framed subjectivity as far as humanity goes. But for me it point out my frailties so I can improve making this a real self-improvement book rather than just an interesting knowledge enhancer.

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3 people found this helpful

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Warning: Once you start, you can't stop listening

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. This is a fascinating book.

What did you like best about this story?

An unfortunate life experience caused the author to be in a position where he was pretty much forced to observe human interaction as a third party. This led him to a career in behavioural science, and to conducting a series of experiments to understand human behaviour. This is Dan Ariely's first book and it is a fascinating insight into the way the human mind works, and how we appear to be hard wired to make similar mistakes over and over again. This is a bit like the Matrix. When Mr. Ariely's findings are revealed, it is difficult not to see them all around us. So, what's it going to be, the red pill or the blue pill? Go on, you'll enjoy this.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes.

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4 people found this helpful

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Good to understand based on real life situations

Loved it - Good to understand based on real life situations and how they make sense or not.

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More of the same

I enjoyed his others books and somehow missed this one. In away it was more of the same which I enjoyed but no revelations, just a few pause for thought moments.

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Predictably Irrational's junior sibling

Entertaining if rather slight. Unnecessary for anyone who has read Predictably Irrational. Simon Jones excellent.

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