The Why Axis: Hidden Motives and the Undiscovered Economics of Everyday Life by Uri Gneezy & John List

The Why Axis delves into the fascinating world of behavioral economics, revealing how incentives can drive change and solve complex societal issues. Through innovative field experiments in real-world settings, the authors explore topics like the achievement gap between rich and poor students, the roots of discrimination, and the gender pay gap. Their findings challenge conventional wisdom and offer evidence-based solutions that can transform both small-scale and large-scale problems. Gneezy and List's research is not just academic; it's practical and actionable. By understanding the true motivations behind people's actions, they provide insights that can lead to more effective policies and interventions. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding human behavior and creating meaningful change in society.

Reviews

BooksPlea.se · 2025-11-11

engaging 4.25

The book is a colorful examination of why people do what they do and how effective incentives can spur behavior change. It is based on groundbreaking original research and offers practical insights.

BooksPlea.se highlights the book's engaging exploration of human behavior through real-world experiments. The authors, Uri Gneezy and John List, provide a fresh perspective on behavioral economics by focusing on the 'why' behind people's actions. The book is praised for its practical applications, making it relevant to a wide range of readers, from business professionals to policymakers. The authors' ability to translate complex economic concepts into accessible insights is particularly appreciated. The book is not just a theoretical exploration but also offers actionable advice on how to design effective incentives to change behavior. The engaging writing style and real-world examples make it a compelling read.

Quick quotes

The book is a colorful examination of why people do what they do and how effective incentives can spur behavior change.

It is based on groundbreaking original research and offers practical insights.

The engaging writing style and real-world examples make it a compelling read.

Reddit - IAmA · John List · 2025-11-11

innovative 4.50

The book combines groundbreaking research with practical applications, making it a valuable read for anyone interested in behavioral economics. The authors' innovative methods provide new insights into human behavior.

In this Reddit AMA, John List discusses the collaborative effort with Uri Gneezy to uncover the hidden motives behind everyday economic decisions. The book is a result of their extensive research and real-world experiments, which challenge conventional economic theories. List emphasizes the importance of understanding the 'why' behind human actions to create effective incentives. The book is praised for its innovative approach and practical applications, making it a must-read for economists, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding human behavior. The authors' ability to translate complex research into accessible insights is particularly noteworthy.

Quick quotes

The book combines groundbreaking research with practical applications, making it a valuable read for anyone interested in behavioral economics.

The authors' innovative methods provide new insights into human behavior.

The book is praised for its innovative approach and practical applications, making it a must-read for economists, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding human behavior.

The Book Bag · 2025-11-11

insightful 4.00

The book offers a fascinating exploration of human behavior through real-world experiments. It highlights the importance of understanding hidden motivations to design effective incentives.

The authors, Uri Gneezy and John List, delve into the intricacies of human behavior by conducting empirical research. They argue that traditional economic models often fail to capture the nuances of real-life decisions. Through engaging examples, they demonstrate how small changes in incentives can lead to significant behavioral shifts. The book is not just a theoretical exploration but also provides practical insights that can be applied in various fields, from business to public policy. The authors' approach is both rigorous and accessible, making complex economic concepts understandable to a broad audience.

Quick quotes

The book offers a fascinating exploration of human behavior through real-world experiments.

It highlights the importance of understanding hidden motivations to design effective incentives.

The authors' approach is both rigorous and accessible, making complex economic concepts understandable to a broad audience.

Appears in Lists

The 10 Most Influential Behavioral Economics Books