Category: dan ariely

From Sports to Politics to Aristotle to Teenagers, Highlights from Today’s Wall Street Journal

The Weekend edition of the Wall Street Journal is always my favorite. It's not all business, and with its Review and Off Duty sections, there's sure to be sure a story or two that captures the reader's interest. Since today's paper was no exception (even though there was no column from Dan Ariely), I thought … Continue reading From Sports to Politics to Aristotle to Teenagers, Highlights from Today’s Wall Street Journal →

Why Would You Not Get the Extra Large?

This is a job question for Superman Dan Ariely. A few times during the year, Wawa, the Philadelphia-based convenience store (and by far THE best convenience store chain in the U.S.), has a promotion that offers any size coffee for just $1. The coffee cup sizes come in small, medium, large, and extra large, and … Continue reading Why Would You Not Get the Extra Large? →

Behavioral Economist’s Latest Solution to Every Problem? Alcohol

Apparently, alcohol is the answer to all of life's problems. At least that's the impression you might get if you read Dan Ariely's latest column in the Wall Street Journal. Here's the first email he received: Hi, Dan. At work we have a large code base—all the source codes for our computer programs—and it’s managed … Continue reading Behavioral Economist’s Latest Solution to Every Problem? Alcohol →

Don’t Read This Post Now – Wait Three Days to Do So

Sorry to make you wait three days, but you can blame good old Dan Ariely. Dan recently received the following email: Dear Dan, I enjoy giving gifts to my best friend, and I was wondering which approach would be better for strengthening our friendship: giving her big gifts twice a year, on her birthday and … Continue reading Don’t Read This Post Now – Wait Three Days to Do So →

Do Some People Need Money to Do the Right Thing?

We've all heard the pitch, "Police are offering $1,000 for tips that lead to the arrest of so and so", and I'm guessing like most of you, I don't even pay attention. But for some reason when I heard it today, it made me think about the details of such offers and question why such … Continue reading Do Some People Need Money to Do the Right Thing? →

Have You Ever Made a Ulysses Contract with Yourself?

Once again, I have Dan Ariely to thank for the idea for today's post. One of the questions posed to Dan in today's Wall Street Journal was the following: Dear Dan, Our 14-year-old son has a hard time getting up in the morning. He sets an alarm clock, but he always presses the snooze button … Continue reading Have You Ever Made a Ulysses Contract with Yourself? →

Not So Fast, Dan

Regular readers of my blog likely know the "Dan" I am referring to. It's Dan Ariely, a leading behavioral economist, and best-selling author. Dan has a biweekly advice column in the Wall Street Journal that has often provided me with ideas for my blog, and today's column is no exception. Here is the email in question: … Continue reading Not So Fast, Dan →

Going Grocery Shopping as a First Date?

That was Dan Ariely's suggestion to someone who wrote in for dating advice. Here is the original letter to Dan: I have been using the dating app Tinder for a while. When I’m swiping right and left it’s fun, and exchanging texts with potential dates is enjoyable, but when we meet face to face, it’s … Continue reading Going Grocery Shopping as a First Date? →

Did Dan Ariely Just Suggest Breaking the Law?

Dan Ariely, who writes my favorite biweekly Wall Street Journal advice column (he doesn't have much competition in that narrowly defined niche), offered some advice that some of the commenters suggested may be illegal. Here's the question, followed by Dan's answer: _________________________________ Many of my friends and co-workers say they care about voting, but their spotty … Continue reading Did Dan Ariely Just Suggest Breaking the Law? →