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The Ostrich Paradox
Book

The Ostrich Paradox

Why We Underprepare for Disasters

Howard Kunreuther and Robert Meyer
Wharton Digital Press, 2017

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Editorial Rating

8

Qualities

  • Analytical
  • Well Structured
  • Concrete Examples

Recommendation

In parts of the United States, inhabitants know certain months of the year are “hurricane season.” Some areas flood repeatedly. Yet, people move to these places and don’t take proper precautions. They literally build their houses on sand. Why do people act like ostriches, hiding their heads from clearly present danger? Professors Robert Meyer and Howard Kunreuther analyze this problem and propose steps to resolve it. They put disaster preparation in the context of how people think and where they tend to stumble due to common cognitive biases.

Take-Aways

  • The human mind works badly in a crisis, and it’s not so good at disaster prevention, either.
  • People share six common systemic biases that weaken their thinking and introduce error.
  • “Myopia” – This is the most dangerous bias when you’re trying to plan for emergencies.

About the Authors

Robert Meyer is the Frederick H. Ecker/MetLife Insurance professor of marketing, and Howard Kunreuther is the James G. Dinan professor emeritus of decision sciences and public policy, at the Wharton School. 

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