Preview
  • The Paradox of Choice

  • Why More is Less
  • By: Barry Schwartz
  • Narrated by: Ken Kliban
  • Length: 7 hrs and 2 mins
  • 4.2 out of 5 stars (1,842 ratings)

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The Paradox of Choice

By: Barry Schwartz
Narrated by: Ken Kliban
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Publisher's summary

In the spirit of Alvin Tofflers' Future Shock, a social critique of our obsession with choice, and how it contributes to anxiety, dissatisfaction and regret.

Whether were buying a pair of jeans, ordering a cup of coffee, selecting a long-distance carrier, applying to college, choosing a doctor, or setting up a 401(k), everyday decisions - both big and small - have become increasingly complex due to the overwhelming abundance of choice with which we are presented.

We assume that more choice means better options and greater satisfaction. But beware of excessive choice: choice overload can make you question the decisions you make before you even make them, it can set you up for unrealistically high expectations, and it can make you blame yourself for any and all failures. In the long run, this can lead to decision-making paralysis, anxiety, and perpetual stress. And, in a culture that tells us that there is no excuse for falling short of perfection when your options are limitless, too much choice can lead to clinical depression.

In The Paradox of Choice, Barry Schwartz explains at what point choice - the hallmark of individual freedom and self-determination that we so cherish - becomes detrimental to our psychological and emotional well-being. In accessible, engaging, and anecdotal prose, Schwartz shows how the dramatic explosion in choice--from the mundane to the profound challenges of balancing career, family, and individual needs--has paradoxically become a problem instead of a solution. Schwartz also shows how our obsession with choice encourages us to seek that which makes us feel worse.

©2004 Barry Schwartz (P)2010 Audible, Inc.
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What listeners say about The Paradox of Choice

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
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Nailed the subject!

Spot on! This is absolutely what is going on with every person in the U.S. and many other peoples in the world. I am a maximizer striving to become a satisfizer.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Excellent!

While the examples and stories need updating, the principles remain EXCELLENT! Highly recommend for everyone.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Great book

I've read a lot of books on this particular topic, and this is one of the best. I highly recommend it.

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Enlightening

Made me think about my indecisive nature and why I choose what I do

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Scientific proof that " More is Less"

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I have recommended it to all my family and close friends because I think they would relate to the concepts and find some helpful ideas about how to manage and live in overchoice world.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Paradox of Choice?

...the realization that we are making our children anxious and frazzled with overchoice

Have you listened to any of Ken Kliban’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

no

What did you learn from The Paradox of Choice that you would use in your daily life?

I think much more about putting myself in a situation where there are too many choices. Also I am trying to construct my environment so that there will be fewer "wrong" choices .

Any additional comments?

Great read for perfectionists :)

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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Muy bueno

Muy buen libro, le doy 4 estrellas porque es un poco repetitivo, me hubiera gustado que diera más tips prácticos.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great perspective changer

Prior to listening to the book, I’ve acknowledged the issue(s) of “too many choices”. Thus the interest to listen to the book was already there. The book did not disappointment. The author provided more in-depth perspective how choices can be a negative in our lives. Impacting us socially, emotionally and mentally. The explanation of picker vs chooser; maximized vs satisfier were very powerful.

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    3 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

Good pts that could have been done in two chapters

Too long for the pts made. Yes, lack of pleasure and satisfaction come if obsessed with having more / most.

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    4 out of 5 stars

Enjoyed this and will listen again.

It isn’t often that I finish a book and automatically know that I will be reading it again soon. But this one is a keeper! I enjoyed the fascinating studies, human psychology and motivation, and learning how to reframe our concept of choice to give ourselves more freedom by placing limits.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Wanted to enjoy the book, but..

Was really looking forward to listening to this, but the narration was distracting. I didn’t even make it through the second chapter because the way he talked made it hard to get the necessary information. If the author or someone with a more natural, less proper sounding voice had narrated, I would’ve really enjoyed it

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