Ep 166 Dan Ariely - What makes rational people believe irrational things

All of us can fall into trying to make sense of the unknown, drawn towards an insight, a theory or a story that seems just far-fetched enough to be true. But what makes rational people believe irrational things?

As someone who studies behavioural scientists today’s guest is akin to chatting with an intellectual hero. It’s highly possible you haven’t come across Dan Ariely’s work, but his research drives much of what we know about irrational behaviour.

Dan Ariely is Professor of Psychology & Behavioral Economics at Duke University, his research is dedicated to answering questions about irrational behaviour, and help people live more sensible – if not rational – lives.

He is a founding member of the Center for Advanced Hindsight, co-creator of the film documentary '(Dis)Honesty: The Truth About Lies', and a three-time New York Times bestselling author.

This conversation focuses on Dan’s latest book 'Misbelief', which is a personal deep dive into an experience Dan faced through COVID with untruths being shared about him and his research. Believing he could just convince people they weren’t true lead him down the path of identifying what he calls the ‘funnel of misbelief’.

This conversation is insightful, fascinating and practical for us all as we navigate the unknown. Take a trip into understanding the funnel of Misbelief with Dan Ariely.