In this astute collection of insights into the human condition, behavioral economist Dan Ariely (Predictably Irrational) shares questions originating from his Wall Street Journal advice column, "Ask Ariely." Using a scientific approach, he offers suggestions to societal inquiries such as, "What's the best way to get people to stop smoking?" He provides logical, dispassionate opinions about emotional situations--"My wife and I are... debating whether or not to have kids. Any advice?"--and even tackles issues as lofty as whether free will exists.
Ariely often adds a humorous or sarcastic spin to his responses. When explaining how best to ensure that Americans are financially prepared for retirement, he suggests either saving money at a young age or getting people to die young: "By allowing citizens to smoke. By subsidizing sugary and fatty foods. By limiting access to preventative health care, etc.... it seems like we're already doing the most we can on this front." But his shrewd advice and observations can also be delivered with genuine earnestness. Spelling out the lesson he hopes readers take away from a response, Ariely says, "Direct contact with other people... causes us to feel, empathize, and act with more care and compassion. And the big question is how to get our politicians, bankers, CEOs... [to] feel the consequences of their decisions and actions."
Because of its format, Irrationally Yours lends itself perfectly to short reading sessions. However, the wide spectrum of topics and Ariely's unpredictable responses makes each page an alluring gem, so readers may have difficulty stopping, but they certainly won't have trouble finding nuggets of wisdom to take away. --Jen Forbus of Jen's Book Thoughts