Cass Sunstein

In 'Nudge,' Thaler and Sunstein argue that by understanding how people think, we can design 'choice architectures' that nudge people toward better decisions for themselves, their families, and society. The book introduces the concept of 'libertarian paternalism,' where gentle nudges guide people toward beneficial choices without limiting their freedom. It explores various aspects of human decision-making, including the distinction between the 'Automatic System' and the 'Reflective System' of thinking, and provides numerous examples of how nudges can be applied in real-life scenarios to improve outcomes in health, finance, and other areas[1][3][5].

This book, based on decades of research in psychological and biological sciences, explores the phenomenon of habituation where people stop noticing significant aspects of their lives. Sharot and Sunstein provide insights on how to 'dishabituate' by disrupting routines, changing environments, and interacting with different people. This approach helps in reigniting joy, innovating, and recognizing areas that need improvement. The authors use various examples, including how people adapt to negative and positive stimuli, to illustrate how temporary changes can restore sensitivity and enhance appreciation for both the good and the bad in life.