Wednesday, April 10, 2013

AOC: Limiting Choices

Haley Scholars Spring 2013 Reading Groups

By Danielle Hall

In the second part of chapter 7 of The Art of Choosing, Sheena Iyengar discusses the ways that decisions made out of "suspicion or fear" may cause more damage in the long run (237). Put differently, some of the worst or least informed decisions happen when one must confront unattractive choices. Avoiding complex choices is usually what leads one to being "caught between a rock and a hard place." Iyengar warns that ignoring unattractive choices, or choosing not to choose, is problematic and potentially harmful.

Something of note is how the concept of restrictive choice, which we discussed previously in chapter 6, resurfaces again throughout this chapter. Again, Iyengar urges readers to consider the benefits of letting go and reminds us that there are other options available to us that can help alleviate the pressures of choosing and yield positive outcomes (240 & 254-55).

Based on the reading, what new or notable insight did you gain concerning the idea of limiting our choices?

4 comments:

Jacqueline C. said...

I gained insight on how suspicion and fear can have a role on choices that individuals make. When I make decisions, I am cautious of what possible outcomes will be and whether they will benefit me or not.People should want to take risks sometimes, but for reasons that are positive.

Breon Anderson said...

i got notable insight that there are different things that can influence or decisions in life. Are decisions in are life can make greatly impact or future.

Raven Cole said...

When fear and suspicion creep into our thoughts we tend to think the worst. It is important to analyze each decision we make. And with taking the proper steps we can all choose better decisions for ourselves.

Mariah B. said...

I learned that I should not ignore a certain option or choice because it is hard. Sometimes the best choice is the hardest choice. Even though a choice might be hard for me, I know that I am strong enough to work through it.