Whatever Works: The Satisficing Model of Decision-Making

A man trying to make a decision

How does perfectionism go against our unconscious mind? How do we innately seek safety and minimize failure? In Alchemy, Rory Sutherland suggests that to solve economic and political problems, we should leverage people’s illogical—and even magical—ways of thinking. One of these is our unconscious desire to go with whatever works rather than the best possible solution. Keep reading to learn about the satisficing model of decision-making and how to make it work for you.

How Assumptions in Economics and Business Miss the Mark

An arrow missing a giant target bullseye

What’s wrong with the math and statistics that go into economic and business models? How effective are market questionnaires? Rory Sutherland insists that, for the most part, the study of economics is completely detached from the realities of human behavior. In his book Alchemy, he provides advice on how economists and business leaders should go about truly understanding what drives consumer choices. Continue reading to learn why Sutherland believes that significant assumptions in economics and business are faulty.

The Limitations of Logic: How It Fails to Decode Human Behavior

A Logic Limit Ahead road sign in front of mountains

In what disciplines does logic come up short? When does unreason triumph over logic? To be clear, Rory Sutherland doesn’t attack logic as a tool for scientific understanding, but he warns against using pure rationalism as the only method for guiding policy and business decisions. Humans are illogical beings, so any solution to human-centered problems must factor unreason into the equation. Continue reading to understand the limitations of logic.

The US Rail System Wants to Upgrade to High-Speed Trains

A train going at high speed next to a field

What’s the history of the US rail system? Why has the US long failed to prioritize high-speed rail construction? Will there ever be a high-speed train in the US? The US Department of Transportation’s recent commitment of $6 billion to high-speed rail, fueled by the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, could ignite further development in domestic rail service. Despite the government’s renewed focus on high-speed rail, serious challenges remain. Here’s an overview of the conversation about the US rail system.

2024 Housing Market Predictions: Will It Improve?

An old hous

Will the 2024 housing market be as bad as the 2023 market? How did the 2007-2008 financial crisis trigger today’s affordable housing struggles? Why is homeownership a pipedream for many Americans? Stricter lending standards and sky-high home prices have rendered homeownership increasingly unattainable for many Americans. Despite slight improvements expected in 2024, long-term housing affordability remains uncertain due to supply shortages, high prices, and increasing economic inequality. Keep reading for an idea of what’s in store for the year ahead.

Economic Pessimism Rises, Despite a “Strong” US Economy

A sweaty man experiencing economic pessimism as he reads a paper saying the economy is up.

Why is there so much economic pessimism in the US, despite an objectively strong economy? How might the disconnect between economic realities and perceptions impact consumer habits and the future state of the American economy? Despite robust economic indicators in the US, public opinion surveys find many Americans are pessimistic about the economy. Factors contributing to the negativity include persistent inflation, political polarization, the media, and lasting scars from the Covid-19 pandemic. Here’s why there’s such a disparity between the numbers and public perception.

Shrinkflation and Skimpflation Mean You Get Less For Your Money

Shrinkflation and Skimpflation Mean You Get Less For Your Money

Have you noticed your cereal box getting lighter? Or that the cough syrup you regularly buy tastes watered down? What are shrinkflation and skimpflation? Companies use shrinkflation and skimpflation—reducing the volume and quality of goods and services—to protect their profits in the face of rising operational costs. These practices directly cut into consumers’ purchasing power, as they continue to pay the same amount of money for lower-value products. Here’s a look at how shrinkflation and skimpflation affect both customers and businesses.

Does US Defense Spending Help the Economy?

Does US Defense Spending Help the Economy?

Do increased investments in missiles, fighter jets, and other military resources really create American jobs? Do they pose economic risks that could undermine US interests over time? US defense spending is said to bolster economic development and foster job creation, but some analysts caution that increased defense spending may not be a boon for economic growth. Hiring challenges, supply chain snarls, and other issues are delaying defense contractors’ peak production. Here’s a look at whether defense spending helps the economy or not.

The Anarchy by William Dalrymple: Book Overview

A young woman reading a book outside in a city.

How did a trading company, ostensibly formed for commerce, come to rule most of the Indian subcontinent and its millions of people for over 50 years? What impact did it make? The Anarchy by William Dalrymple charts the rise of the English East India Company (EIC) during the 17th and 18th centuries. Dalrymple explains how it rose from a small outfit of merchants into the imperialist superpower that established British colonial rule in India. Continue reading for an overview of this fascinating book.