Scarcity
Scarcity
Sendhil Mullainathan
Daniel Kahneman
The finest combination of heart and head that I have seen in our field. - Daniel Kahneman
Esther Dyson
An explanation of scarcity for rich intellectuals, showing how poor people do stupid things for lack of money, while rich people do stupid things for lack of time. - Esther Dyson
Daniel Pink
One of the most underrated books of the last 10 years. - Daniel Pink
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3
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Scarcity

Scarcity: Why Having Too Little Means So Much

Sendhil Mullainathan
By
Sendhil Mullainathan
3.9
908
ratings on Goodreads

In the groundbreaking book "Scarcity," authors Sendhil Mullainathan and Eldar Shafir embark on a riveting exploration of how scarcity shapes our actions, our societies, and our very thoughts. With a keen eye on behavioral science and economics, they unveil the universal psychology that emerges from dealing with less than we need. Whether it's time, money, or companionship, scarcity binds the human experience, influencing decisions and behaviors in profound ways. From the procrastination of the affluent to the enduring cycle of poverty, from the chronic busyness of executives to the social isolation of the lonely, Mullainathan and Shafir weave together diverse strands of human activity to reveal a common underlying struggle. Through a blend of captivating anecdotes, personal confessions, and surprising research findings, "Scarcity" provides more than just an analysis; it offers a lens through which to view the world anew. The authors show how scarcity captures the mind, leading to counterproductive decisions and actions across various facets of life. Yet, it's not all doom and gloom. Mullainathan and Shafir go beyond diagnosis to propose actionable strategies for individuals and institutions to better manage scarcity. By understanding its mechanics, we can navigate our lives towards greater success and fulfillment, making "Scarcity" a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of modern life and the pervasive influence of scarcity on our decisions, well-being, and societal structures.

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Released
2013
1 Jan
Length
304
Pages

3

recommendations

recommendation

An explanation of scarcity for rich intellectuals, showing how poor people do stupid things for lack of money, while rich people do stupid things for lack of time. - Esther Dyson
The finest combination of heart and head that I have seen in our field. - Daniel Kahneman
One of the most underrated books of the last 10 years. - Daniel Pink
Being poor, for example, reduces a person’s cognitive capacity more than going one full night without sleep. It is not that the poor have less bandwidth as individuals. Rather, it is that the experience of poverty reduces anyone’s bandwidth.
— Sendhil Mullainathan, Scarcity

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