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The Undoing Project: A Friendship That Changed Our Minds

Nonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 2016

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Book Brief

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Michael Lewis

The Undoing Project

Nonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 2016
Book Details
Pages

368

Format

Biography • Nonfiction

Setting

Israel • 1970s

Publication Year

2016

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

In The Undoing Project, Michael Lewis explores the collaboration between Israeli psychologists Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky, whose friendship and research gave rise to the field of behavioral economics and transformed our understanding of human decision-making. Through their theory on heuristics and groundbreaking work on the dichotomy between intuition and empirical data, this duo revealed the complexities and flaws in human judgment, influencing various societal domains like medicine and government regulation. Kahneman, a Holocaust survivor, and Tversky, a decorated paratrooper, forged a bond rooted in their commitment to Israel and mutual drive to contribute practically to their nation.

Informative

Contemplative

Emotional

Inspirational

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

4.2

72,485 ratings

75%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Michael Lewis's The Undoing Project has been praised for its compelling storytelling and deep dive into the groundbreaking partnership between psychologists Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky. Critics admire Lewis's ability to make complex psychological concepts accessible. However, some feel the narrative can occasionally meander. Overall, it's a fascinating and insightful read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Undoing Project?

Readers who enjoyed Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman or Freakonomics by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner will find Michael Lewis's The Undoing Project compelling. It delves into the groundbreaking work of Israeli psychologists Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky and is suited for those interested in behavioral economics, psychology, and decision-making.

4.2

72,485 ratings

75%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Character List

Daniel Kahneman

A Nobel Prize-winning psychologist known for his work in behavioral science, characterized by his insecurity and self-doubt despite his numerous professional accolades.

The other half of the Kahneman-Tversky collaborative team, a bold and influential psychologist known for his indifference to others' perceptions and significant contributions to the field.

Wife of Amos Tversky and a notable psychology professor, who experienced cultural adjustments when moving to Israel and had a complex role balancing Amos's work relationship with Danny.

A close friend and early collaborator of Amos Tversky, who eventually chose to pursue his own career path to avoid being overshadowed by Amos's dominating influence.

A doctor from Toronto whose career was significantly influenced by the work of Kahneman and Tversky, collaborating with Amos to study decision-making in medicine.

A Harvard psychiatrist who explored the concept of "fertile pairs" and interviewed Kahneman and Tversky, revealing insights into their partnership dynamics.

Book Details
Pages

368

Format

Biography • Nonfiction

Setting

Israel • 1970s

Publication Year

2016

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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