We're All Predictably Irrational - Dan Ariely

I am currently listening to a fascinating audiobook entitle "Predictably Irrational" by Duke Economics Professor Dan Ariely. In this book, Ariely provides an exploration of behavioral economics that is both fun and enlightening. Around the 4th chapter Ariely makes some really spot on observations about how to make our education system work more effectively and at the same time explains why our educational system was better during the cold war. In following the analysis, instead of continually raising educators salaries, we need to remind educators that they teach to improve society. We need to remind students that they are learning not only to figure out how to improve the world we all live in but, also to ensure that we are one step ahead of those that would limit our free society. And we need to remind the general population that teachers are to be revered for the service that they provide to society and that a well educated society is a foundation for a better society.

This is only one small point that Ariely makes in "Predictably Irrational." Enjoy the video that is provided at the top but remember it is just a taste of what you will find in Ariely's book. And regrettably, I have found no free link to the book, yet . I check my copy out of the public library. Look for a free copy at your local library.

Here is a link to a TED talk that Ariely gave in February 2009. (TED Talk link) Much of this talk is repeated in the Predictably Irrational book.