We usually think of ourselves as sitting the driver's seat, with ultimate control over the decisions we made and the direction our life takes; but, alas, this perception has more to do with our desires-with how we want to view ourselves-than with reality.Dan Ariely
Individuals are honest only to the extent that suits them (including their desire to please others).Dan Ariely
Most people don't know what they want unless they see it in context.Dan Ariely
Despite our intentions, we predictably fail to understand the shortcomings of our knowledge and, as a result, our decisions lead us to poorer results than we anticipate.Dan Ariely
In reality, our irrationality makes us who we are. It is the reason we fall in love, the reason we bear kids, the reason we are kind to others, and the reason we occasionally lose our temper.Dan Ariely
We have a deep-seated sense of fairness that often compels us to reciprocate kindness—even when it is not in our economic interest to do so.Dan Ariely
Although we succumb to cognitive illusions, we can learn to notice our irrational behaviour, to question our intuitions, and to pause before making important decisions.Dan Ariely
The difference between the areas of focus in standard economics and behavioral economics is not in what they study, but how they approach their studies.Dan Ariely
Resisting temptation and instilling self-control are general human goals, and repeatedly failing to achieve them is a source of much of our misery.Dan Ariely
We live in a world of relative, not absolute values.Dan Ariely