NATIONAL BESTSELLER - Bringing to life scientific research in
psychology, cognitive neuroscience, philosophy, and behavioral
economics, this witty, accessible book reveals what scientists have
discovered about the uniquely human ability to imagine the future, and
about our capacity to predict how much we will like it when we get
there.
- Why are lovers quicker to forgive their partners for infidelity than
for leaving dirty dishes in the sink?
- Why will sighted people pay more to avoid going blind than blind
people will pay to regain their sight?
- Why do dining companions insist on ordering different meals instead
of getting what they really want?
- Why do pigeons seem to have such excellent aim; why can't we remember
one song while listening to another; and why does the line at the
grocery store always slow down the moment we join it?
In this brilliant book, renowned Harvard psychologist Daniel Gilbert
describes the foibles of imagination and illusions of foresight that
cause each of us to misconceive our tomorrows and misestimate our
satisfactions. With penetrating insight and sparkling prose, Gilbert
explains why we seem to know so little about the hearts and minds of the
people we are about to become.
