Scarcity

Why can we never seem to keep on top of our workload, social diary or chores? Why does poverty persist around the world? Why do successful people do things at the last minute in a sudden rush of energy? Here, economist Sendhil Mullainathan and psychologist Eldar Shafir reveal that the hidden side behind all these problems is that they're all about scarcity. Using the new science of scarcity, they will change the way you think about both the little everyday tasks and the big issues of global urgency. 'It's the scarcity trap, and you need to know about it.' New Scientist, Books of the Year 'The finest combination of heart and head that I have seen.' Daniel Kahneman, author of Thinking, Fast and Slow 'A captivating book, overflowing with new ideas, fantastic stories, and simple suggestions that just might change the way you live.' Steven D. Levitt, coauthor of Freakonomics 'A highly original and easily readable book that is full of intriguing insights. What does a single mom trying to make partner at a major law firm have in common with a peasant who spends half her income on interest payments? The answer is scarcity. Read this book to learn the surprising ways in which scarcity affects us all.' Richard Thaler, co-author of Nudge 'Extraordinarily illuminating, important, novel and immensely creative.' Cass R. Sunstein, New York Review of Books 'Ultimately humane and very welcome.' Oliver Burkeman, Guardian