The Paradox of Choice

Why More Is Less, Revised Edition

Nonfiction, Health & Well Being, Psychology, Social Psychology, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Cultural Studies, Popular Culture, Anthropology
Cover of the book The Paradox of Choice by Barry Schwartz, HarperCollins e-books
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Barry Schwartz ISBN: 9780061748998
Publisher: HarperCollins e-books Publication: October 13, 2009
Imprint: HarperCollins e-books Language: English
Author: Barry Schwartz
ISBN: 9780061748998
Publisher: HarperCollins e-books
Publication: October 13, 2009
Imprint: HarperCollins e-books
Language: English

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 choice means better options and greater satisfaction. But beware of excessive choice: choice overload can make you question the decisions you make before you even make them, it can set you up for unrealistically high expectations, and it can make you blame yourself for any and all failures. In the long run, this can lead to decision-making paralysis, anxiety, and perpetual stress. And, in a culture that tells us that there is no excuse for falling short of perfection when your options are limitless, too much choice can lead to clinical depression.

In The Paradox of Choice, Barry Schwartz explains at what point choice—the hallmark of individual freedom and self-determination that we so cherish—becomes detrimental to our psychological and emotional well-being. In accessible, engaging, and anecdotal prose, Schwartz shows how the dramatic explosion in choice—from the mundane to the profound challenges of balancing career, family, and individual needs—has paradoxically become a problem instead of a solution. Schwartz also shows how our obsession with choice encourages us to seek that which makes us feel worse.

By synthesizing current research in the social sciences, Schwartz makes the counter intuitive case that eliminating choices can greatly reduce the stress, anxiety, and busyness of our lives. He offers eleven practical steps on how to limit choices to a manageable number, have the discipline to focus on those that are important and ignore the rest, and ultimately derive greater satisfaction from the choices you have to make.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

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 choice means better options and greater satisfaction. But beware of excessive choice: choice overload can make you question the decisions you make before you even make them, it can set you up for unrealistically high expectations, and it can make you blame yourself for any and all failures. In the long run, this can lead to decision-making paralysis, anxiety, and perpetual stress. And, in a culture that tells us that there is no excuse for falling short of perfection when your options are limitless, too much choice can lead to clinical depression.

In The Paradox of Choice, Barry Schwartz explains at what point choice—the hallmark of individual freedom and self-determination that we so cherish—becomes detrimental to our psychological and emotional well-being. In accessible, engaging, and anecdotal prose, Schwartz shows how the dramatic explosion in choice—from the mundane to the profound challenges of balancing career, family, and individual needs—has paradoxically become a problem instead of a solution. Schwartz also shows how our obsession with choice encourages us to seek that which makes us feel worse.

By synthesizing current research in the social sciences, Schwartz makes the counter intuitive case that eliminating choices can greatly reduce the stress, anxiety, and busyness of our lives. He offers eleven practical steps on how to limit choices to a manageable number, have the discipline to focus on those that are important and ignore the rest, and ultimately derive greater satisfaction from the choices you have to make.

More books from HarperCollins e-books

Cover of the book Simply Green Giving by Barry Schwartz
Cover of the book The Complete Book of Mixed Drinks by Barry Schwartz
Cover of the book Mooch by Barry Schwartz
Cover of the book Sun Tzu Was a Sissy by Barry Schwartz
Cover of the book Blood and Memory by Barry Schwartz
Cover of the book The Happy Failure by Barry Schwartz
Cover of the book The Crimson Sword by Barry Schwartz
Cover of the book Seeing Stars by Barry Schwartz
Cover of the book Wild Justice by Barry Schwartz
Cover of the book Bring Me a Dream by Barry Schwartz
Cover of the book Eye of Heaven by Barry Schwartz
Cover of the book Awakening the Entrepreneur Within by Barry Schwartz
Cover of the book Confessions of a Wall Street Analyst by Barry Schwartz
Cover of the book Celeste Ascending by Barry Schwartz
Cover of the book The Millionaire in the Mirror by Barry Schwartz
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy