What were we thinking?

Charles Dawson

Despite frequently-made assumptions, human beings often do not think or act logically; for example, many prefer to spend when they 'knows' they ought to save.

What were we thinking?

Charles Dawson

Homo sapiens is defined by rationality. Since we mutated into homo consumiens, economists believe we are all even more logic-driven in our pursuit of self-interest. Really? Maybe somewhere out there super-intelligent extraterrestrials are monitoring our eBay bids and online purchases, checking the human race for signs of innate common sense. They should not hold their breath (or chlorine gas, or whatever it is they breathe).

Faced with rational choices, the options humans go for can be downright weird. At the supermarket checkout, a self-described thrifty, health-conscious shopper will pat herself on...

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