The Paradox of Choice: Why Less Is More

Post by **_LifeOnaPlate** » Thu Apr 24, 2008 3:08 pm

Recently I finished this interesting book (heard about it on NPR) and thought it might interest some people on the board here.

The Paradox of Choice: Why Less Is More by Barry Schwartz basically talks about how a multiplicity of choices can actually hinder our happiness before, during and after decision making. He talks about the overall decision making process as it relates to our consumerist culture in America. I'm not going to give a full review, but wonder if anyone here has ever thought about this subject.

He talks about two types of people: "satisficers" and "maximizers." Satisficers are those who can make a decision relatively easily; they don't fret too much, they weigh the pros and cons rather quickly and make due. Maximizers are very difficult to satisfy; they must have the absolute best. So they spend a lot more time weighing decisions, making comparisons, and making sure their decisions are the best possible. All of us likely play the satisficer or maximizer role depending on the decision we are making. For example, when I want to eat dinner I think a burrito or something easy is fine. My wife, on the other hand, analyzes every possible food and takes forever to decide. You get the point.

Schwartz makes a good case for learning how to fret less and enjoy more. You might want to check out the book.

Post by **_LifeOnaPlate** » Thu Apr 24, 2008 3:49 pm

Oops. Didn't notice the off-topic forum.

Post by **_Moniker** » Thu Apr 24, 2008 4:17 pm

Oh, I want to read that book. I was reading the reviews and thinking if I'm a maximizer or a satisficer.

I think I approach different situations differently. For instance I just went and had my hair done a few days ago. I told my hairstylist to just do whatever, it grows out, and if I don't like it that much in 6 weeks I'll be back for something else -- she always smiles at me when I tell her that and says I'm her favorite client. :)

I grab a new makeup and know if I don't like it it's no biggie I'll just try something else next time. A new shade of lipstick? Okay, let's give that a go. A brand of shampoo? Just grab and go. I'm not too much about perfection, really. Oh, I just did dress buying in this forum -- hmmm, let's see this one, no this one -- k, just grab a few and see which one fits the best and wear it. :)

I do however comparison shop for prices. I enjoy saving a buck, and will watch 10 identical things on Ebay and snatch up the one that goes for the cheapest...

I don't fret the lil decisions or choices, really. It seems more I fret over the big life changing decisions. Of course, I think it's not necessarily unhealthy to take time to evaluate the pros and cons before making decisions that will fundamentally change your life. Right now I've applied to two law schools and accepted at one. If I'm accepted at the other there's going to be a choice. They both have pros and cons -- what to do? Well, I'm not going to be paralyzed with second guessing after I make my decision. One thing I've learned in this life, we make choices and some are bad. Just make better choices next time and realize that sometimes you get a stinker -- oh, well.

Post by **_LifeOnaPlate** » Thu Apr 24, 2008 4:41 pm

Moniker wrote:Oh, I want to read that book. I was reading the reviews and thinking if I'm a maximizer or a satisficer.

I think I approach different situations differently. For instance I just went and had my hair done a few days ago. I told my hairstylist to just do whatever, it grows out, and if I don't like it that much in 6 weeks I'll be back for something else -- she always smiles at me when I tell her that and says I'm her favorite client. :)

Exactly. There are some women who fret over changing their hair so much. I watch What Not to Wear with my wife sometimes and sometimes the women cry about changing their hair. In that situation they aren't really given a choice, the stylist just cuts it however. It's interesting to see how some women don't mind and others literally weep.

I grab a new makeup and know if I don't like it it's no biggie I'll just try something else next time. A new shade of lipstick? Okay, let's give that a go. A brand of shampoo? Just grab and go. I'm not too much about perfection, really. Oh, I just did dress buying in this forum -- hmmm, let's see this one, no this one -- k, just grab a few and see which one fits the best and wear it. :)

In my case I pretty much know what clothes I already like, so it isn't a big deal to go shopping, it's simple and fast. I used to spend more time looking for the right clothes but over time I became less interested. I don't want to look like a slob, but I also don't need to follow any fashion trends, per se.

I don't fret the lil decisions or choices, really. It seems more I fret over the big life changing decisions. Of course, I think it's not necessarily unhealthy to take time to evaluate the pros and cons before making decisions that will fundamentally change your life. Right now I've applied to two law schools and accepted at one. If I'm accepted at the other there's going to be a choice. They both have pros and cons -- what to do? Well, I'm not going to be paralyzed with second guessing after I make my decision. One thing I've learned in this life, we make choices and some are bad. Just make better choices next time and realize that sometimes you get a stinker -- oh, well.

Some people would agonize over the choice between two schools. The book talks about good ways to learn to harness maximizing while still taking advantages of it, etc. Good book, and cheap. If you've thought about reading it I'm sure you'd enjoy it. It's a quick, interesting and slightly quirky read.

Post by **_moksha** » Thu Apr 24, 2008 10:27 pm

Life was undoubtedly better back when there was just chocolate and vanilla. Then those trouble makers had to introduce strawberry.
You know the rest....

Post by **_LifeOnaPlate** » Thu Apr 24, 2008 10:38 pm

moksha wrote:Life was undoubtedly better back when there was just chocolate and vanilla. Then those trouble makers had to introduce strawberry.
You know the rest....

They wound up putting them all together in a disgusting arrangement.

Post by **_Scottie** » Thu Apr 24, 2008 10:47 pm

LifeOnaPlate wrote:Oops. Didn't notice the off-topic forum.

Did you want this moved?

Post by **_Yong Xi** » Tue May 06, 2008 1:00 am

I, unfortunately, am a maximizer. Sometimes, it can be disabling. a.k.a. Analysis Paralysis.

I may buy the book.

Post by **_Gadianton** » Sat May 10, 2008 5:31 am

by Barry Schwartz basically talks about how a multiplicity of choices can actually hinder our happiness before

Mormons everywhere should read this then. Proof that a Mormon apostle Iron Fist rule and a back-breaking tithe is the key ingredient to our well-being.

Post by **_LifeOnaPlate** » Mon May 12, 2008 10:27 pm

I believe there is something to be said for religious principles assisting in choice. There are obvious trade-offs, however, and it can be endlessly debated as to whether religion helps or hinders in decisions, etc. At the least, however, this book (see how it is in the "off-topic forum"?) has some quality insight in and of itself and apart from religious considerations.