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The Paradox Of Choice: Why More Is Less
The Paradox Of Choice Why More Is Less
Author: Barry Schwartz
Whether we're buying a pair of jeans, ordering a cup of coffee, selecting a long-distance carrier, applying to college, choosing a doctor, or setting up a 401(k), everyday decisions -- both big and small -- have become increasingly complex due to the overwhelming abundance of choice with which we are presented. — As Americans, we assume that more...  more »
ISBN-13: 9780060005696
ISBN-10: 0060005696
Publication Date: 1/1/2005
Pages: 265
Rating:
  • Currently 3.8/5 Stars.
 46

3.8 stars, based on 46 ratings
Publisher: Ecco
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover, Audio CD
Members Wishing: 3
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

reviewed The Paradox Of Choice: Why More Is Less on + 23 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
This book helped me realize why I am so indecisive.
reviewed The Paradox Of Choice: Why More Is Less on + 19 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
This book is a fascinating look at why having more choices can actually make people more unhappy. It touched on everything from choosing a career to choosing a pair of jeans. (I've always had a problem myself with the toothpaste aisle. Why in the world do we need so many options?)

The first ten chapters presented a convincing set of studies and reports that having too many options does indeed make an individual unhappy, and has contributed to increasing levels of depression and stress in American society. I thought it was interesting to see how religion, faith and family values can help people deal with this particular kind of stress by limiting options to those that are morally acceptable (obviously more useful for those big life choices than the toothpaste aisle).

The best chapter, in my opinion, was the eleventh chapter. Here, Mr. Schwartz gives some concrete ways to decrease the disadvantages while still enjoying the benefits of all the choices we have today. The eleven steps he gives are all directly related to the evidence presented in the preceding chapters, but I will try to sum it up in one quick paragraph:

Take some time to consider what's important in life. Pay attention to those choices and don't worry about the others. Go with what's "good enough" more often than finding the absolute best. Once you've made a decision don't give yourself the option to go back and choose something else. Be thankful for what you have. Don't waste time and energy on regret. Be aware that whatever you choose, eventually it won't bring as much pleasure as it did at first. Keep expectations within reason. Don't concentrate so much on what others are doing or buying. Embrace limits and constraints that eliminate choices for us.

If you're interested in how these strategies can combat the depressing effect of too many choices, read the book. I think it's one choice you won't regret. (groan)
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reviewed The Paradox Of Choice: Why More Is Less on
Sounds like a whiney old man who wants things to go back to when he was young and you didn't have as many choices. Now there are too many beans and this causes mental illnesses.
reviewed The Paradox Of Choice: Why More Is Less on + 26 more book reviews
It's no Tipping Point or Freakonomics but it's good information a lot of which was covered in my business management classes.


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