Dan Ariely, a Duke University professor known for his work in psychology and behavioral economics, joins the discussion about why rational people cling to irrational beliefs. He delves into the psychological mechanisms at play and how discomfort with certain truths can lead to selective ignorance. Ariely also examines the broader societal anxieties that contribute to misinformation and highlights the importance of empathy in constructive dialogue to foster resilience and understanding across divergent viewpoints.

On this episode of the Knowledge Project, I’m joined by the fascinating Dan Ariely. Dan just about does it all. He has delivered 6 TED talks with a combined 20 million views, he’s a multiple New York Times best-selling author, a widely published researcher, and the James B Duke Professor of Psychology and Behavioral Economics at Duke University. For the better part of three decades, Dan has been immersed in researching why humans do some of the silly, irrational things we do. And yes, as much as we’d all like to be exempt, that includes you too. In this captivating interview, we tackle a lot of interesting topics, including: The three types of decisions that control our life and how understanding our biases can help us make smarter decisions How our environment plays a big role in our decision making and the small changes we can make to automatically improve our outcomes The “behavioural driven” bathroom scale Dan has been working on to revolutionize weight loss Which of our irrational behaviors transfer across cultures and which ones are unique to certain parts of the world (for example, find out which country is the most honest) The dishonesty spectrum and why we as humans insist on flirting with the line between “honest” and “dishonest” 3 sneaky mental tricks Dan uses to avoid making ego-driven decisions “Pluralistic ignorance” and how it dangerously affects our actions and inactions (As a bonus, Dan shares the hilarious way he demonstrates this concept to his students on their first day of class) The rule Dan created specifically for people with spinach in their teeth The difference between habits, rules, and rituals, and why they are critical to shaping us into who we want to be This was a riveting discussion and one that easily could have gone for hours. If you’ve ever wondered how you’d respond in any of these eye-opening experiments, you have to listen to this interview. If you’re anything like me, you’ll learn something new about yourself, whether you want to or not.   *** Go Premium: Members get early access, ad-free episodes, hand-edited transcripts, searchable transcripts, member-only episodes, and more. Sign up at: https://fs.blog/membership/   Every Sunday our newsletter shares timeless insights and ideas that you can use at work and home. Add it to your inbox: https://fs.blog/newsletter/   Follow Shane on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/ShaneAParrish   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan Ariely, a renowned behavioral economist and author, delves into why rational individuals often cling to irrational beliefs. He discusses the appeal of conspiracy theories across political divides and emphasizes the importance of empathy for those misled by misinformation. Ariely shares his personal experiences with conspiracy theorists, exposing the psychological toll of such interactions. He advocates for resilience as a 'vaccine' against misbelief, highlighting how human psychology shapes our understanding of truth in times of crisis.

Lessons on different types of motivators, what behavioral science can teach us about motivation, and the importance of intrinsic motivators in the workplace. View the full recap at https://ideo.in/beworks

In this enlightening discussion, behavioral economist Dan Ariely, a Duke University professor and author, delves into the psychology behind irrational beliefs and misbelief. He explores how stress and cognitive biases distort our perceptions, especially in today's polarized climate. Dan highlights the dangers of misinformation using personal anecdotes from the COVID pandemic, advocating for empathy and curiosity to bridge societal divides. His insights into the interplay of irrationality and decision-making challenge us to question our own assumptions and beliefs.

Dan Ariely, a renowned expert in behavioral economics and author of 'Predictably Irrational', dives into the intricacies of decision-making in career choices. He reveals how irrational choices often stem from psychological barriers like inertia, which can trap individuals in unfulfilling jobs. Ariely advocates for 'squiggly sabbaticals' to explore new roles and encourages listeners to prioritize skill acquisition in their career planning. The episode offers strategies for balancing immediate job tasks with long-term personal growth aspirations.

In this engaging dialogue, Dan Ariely, a renowned social scientist and author of "Misbelief," digs deep into the intricacies of mass psychosis and the importance of questioning our beliefs and emotions. He discusses the need for a 'North Star' to guide us toward fulfillment while navigating misinformation. Topics include the challenges of critical thinking in today’s society, the role of independent thought in personal growth, and the benefits of cold exposure for mental resilience. Prepare to rethink your assumptions and embrace a more flexible approach to life!

Join Dan Ariely, the James B. Duke Professor of Psychology and Behavioral Economics at Duke University, as he dives into the quirks of human decision-making. He shares how regret often drives us to inaction and why we agonize over minor purchases while major life choices seem easier. Discover the interplay between market norms and social connections, and how our environment influences decisions. Ariely’s insights reveal the predictability of our irrational behaviors, offering tools for making better choices in life and relationships.

Dan Ariely, behavioral economist and bestselling author, joins Michael Shermer to discuss disinformation, misbelief factors, the role of complex stories, social proof, and the influence of others on our beliefs. They also explore social media companies' responsibility for disinformation and what it would take to change their minds.

Dan Ariely, a Professor of Psychology and Behavioral Economics, delves into the psychology behind misbelief and conspiracy theories. He discusses his experience with conspiracy theories during the pandemic, the significance of language as a social marker, and the role of transparency in scientific communication. They explore the impact of misinformation on society and the challenge of discerning facts in a polarized world.