The Paradox of Choice: Why More Is Less

79. The Paradox of Choice by Barry Schwartz

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This book delves into the psychological and emotional effects of having more and more options to choose from. I was familiar with the basic premise but this dug deeper into it, even relating it to the significant increase in depression over the years.

I might've given it a four but I'd already read about most of the studies he referenced in other books. While those books were more about how the brain works or decision making, this one focuses on the effects of the process we use to choose.

He argues that the plethora of options we have ultimately makes us less satisfied with our decisions.

The final chapter proposes suggestions for limiting your choices and ways to feel better about the ones you make.

Well worth a read.


10 years ago on TTaT: sleep-tussle? and Tidbit