Sway: The Irresistible Pull of Irrational Behavior by Ori Brafman, Rom Brafman Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Sway: The Irresistible Pull of Irrational Behavior
Book Review: Sometimes the smartest person in the room, isn't.
Summary: 5 Stars
Most people believe that their thoughts are completely rational without any sort of outside influence. "I am my own person and my thoughts are my own," most people would contend. However, after reading Sway, I see just how much tunnel vision people can have, including me. This tunnel vision can lead to a bad day, missed opportunities, or even the loss of life.
Thinking objectively seems easy and natural as we base our decisions on what we have learned over time. This, for obvious reasons, is a good thing. However, it can be detrimental if we are not adept enough to see the presented information through an unbiased lens in conjunction with our experiences. Not considering all facets of a situation in a way that is absent of useless, outside noise can stifle our personal growth as we hold to past beliefs that, from the current information, may not be true. After all, the earth is round.
As a counselor, I pride myself on being able to see things as they really are, and in cases of working with people, I can do this fairly well. However, Brafman and Brafman, helped me see my own shortcomings with certain decision making tactics and for this, I am thankful.
What I learned most from this book is the concept of Loss-Aversion. I have fallen prey to this often when rushing to be on time for an appointment. While I may have saved a few minutes, I have also sacrificed piece of mind and tolerable blood pressure for punctuality. I have sacrificed top-notch performance at meetings with colleagues, and all but ruined dates with my wife just because the clock said I was a little behind. I am its slave no more.
Sway is simplistically written which makes for an easy and enjoyable read for anyone wanting a little life-altering self-improvement. However, in its simplicity Sway gives the reader tools that can help in situations ranging from conquering negative group dynamics in a Fortune 500 company to determining if that painting in the thrift store is really worth its asking price.
Too many people don't see the invisible forces that influence their decisions. Experts, politicians, and even Sunday school groups all push our conclusions in directions that may or may not be accurate. In our quest for justice, equality, and truth, we must be willing to challenge the status quo, even if this means challenging authority figures, family members, and our own perception of the world around us.
Book Review: Smartest book I have read this year.
Summary: 5 Stars
Wow! What a fabulous,timely, and perhaps overdue book. I was particularly impressed by their discussions of altruism versus addiction, and their ability to tie it to modern day screw-ups. Absolute Must-read for 2008. I am looking forward to their next book.Book Review: Sway: The Irresistible Pull of Irrational Behavior
Summary: 5 Stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! A friend recommended this book to me and I enjoyed it so much that I bought 3 copies for friends. The book will definitely get you thinking about how irrational we can be! With some of the examples, I saw myself and in others I saw people I know. It made me think but also made me laugh. There are other moments that even though a behavior may be irrational, it is a choice I would still make. Irrational is not always a bad thing! Other times, such as the job interview questions, it's important to question why we ask what we ask and what is it we really want to know.
There were moments that were, in a sense, disturbing as when a person will agree with everyone in a room simply because s/he does not want to be different.
A lot to think about and an easy read. I do recommend this book.
Book Review: a good read
Summary: 5 Stars
a lot of the research they cite will be well known to the studious reader, but still, a worthwhile addition, and an easy pleasant readBook Review: "People aren't rational."
Summary: 5 Stars
The latest book on why people sometimes behave illogically is "Sway: The Irresistible Pull of Irrational Behavior," by the Brafman brothers. Ori has a PhD in psychology and Rom is a graduate of the Stanford Business School. They tell engrossing stories, each of which illuminates a principle of human behavior, and pose such intriguing questions as: Why would an experienced pilot who values the safety of his passengers take unnecessary risks? Why did the Challenger Space Shuttle go up even after "engineers from the company that build the O-ring recommended that the launch be delayed"? Why would a group of emergency room doctors fail to treat an obviously sick two-year-old girl? Why are most job interviews a complete waste of time and energy?
The answers will surprise you, but the basic theme is that we tend to be unduly influenced by other people and by our own preconceived notions. Instead of using our intellects to objectively analyze each situation on its merits, "we often ignore all evidence that contradicts what we want to believe." The authors' premise has widespread implications for every aspect of our lives: government, the economy, education, and of course, our professional and personal relationships.
"Sway" is clearly written, entertaining, and enlightening. The authors illustrate their ideas using a variety of eye-opening examples from medicine, sports, finance, archaeology, and even the world of game shows. If you take the Brafmans' message to heart, you may decide to think before you act, instead of being swayed to do things that will make you feel sorry later.