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Misbehaving

The Making of Behavioural Economics
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( 23,198 ratings, 1,707 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Misbehaving by Richard H. Thaler explores the development of behavioural economics, blending anecdotes, academic studies, and narratives showcasing how human behaviour often defies economic theories. Thaler illustrates how recognising these real behaviours can lead to better economic policies and business strategies.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you are interested in understanding the quirks of human decision-making and how they challenge traditional economic theories. It offers a fascinating blend of behavioural insights and real-world examples that make complex concepts engaging and accessible.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

When economics meets psychology, the implications for individuals, managers and policy makers are both profound and entertaining. Coupling recent discoveries in human psychology with a practical understanding of incentives and market behaviour, the author enlightens readers about how to make smarter decisions in an increasingly mystifying world.

As the most vivacious and vociferous founding member of behavioural economics, Thaler presents his insightful findings with stories about data and experiments and shows us how to avoid making costly mistakes in our own lives.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description
Misbehaving by Richard H. Thaler is an enlightening dive into the human psyche through the lens of behavioural economics. Thaler, a renowned behavioural economist, exposes the irrational tendencies that often distort our thinking and showcases how these tendencies can profoundly impact our decision-making processes. Through a series of fascinating stories, data-driven observations, and groundbreaking experiments, Thaler uncovers the hidden forces that lead us to make less-than-logical choices in our daily lives.

Why are we prone to valuing a €100 bottle of wine more when it's already in our possession than when we're contemplating buying it? This phenomenon, rooted in what's known as "opportunity cost," highlights our inconsistent decision-making. Similarly, the "endowment effect" explains why we often value a free concert ticket worth hundreds of pounds more than the actual money we would receive from selling it.

Thaler, as one of the pioneering figures in behavioural economics, brings these abstract concepts to life with vivacity and clarity. He meticulously details his theories and findings, from the peculiar behaviours observed in controlled experiments to the real-world implications of cognitive biases. His narrative pulls back the curtain on human behaviour, illuminating the myriad ways our actions deviate from the logical, rational agent assumed in classical economics.

Throughout Misbehaving, Thaler doesn't merely present problems; he also offers insights on how to sidestep these mental pitfalls. By understanding why we misbehave in economic terms, readers can learn to make smarter, more logical decisions, ultimately avoiding costly mistakes that arise from our inherent irrationality.

For anyone fascinated by the quirks of human behaviour, economics, or psychology, Misbehaving is a must-read. Thaler's engaging style, peppered with humour and real-world relevance, makes complex theories accessible and downright enjoyable.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Misbehaving is praised for being both intellectually robust and entertaining, providing an engaging account of the development of Behavioural Economics. Richard Thaler is celebrated for his curiosity and focus on significant questions, making the book accessible yet profound. The book is recommended for its mix of scholarly insight and enjoyable storytelling, offering a compelling read on an important intellectual movement.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780241951224

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 05 May 2016

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Books Ltd

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 24.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 315g

Pages: 432

About the Author

Richard H. Thaler is the Ralph and Dorothy Keller Distinguished Service Professor of Behavioral Science and Economics and the director of the Center for Decision Research at the University of Chicago's Graduate School of Business. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics in 2017.

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