3.0
Too Much Information
ByPublisher Description
The New York Times–bestselling co-author of Nudge explores how more information can make us happy or miserable—and why we sometimes avoid it but sometimes seek it out.
How much information is too much? Do we need to know how many calories are in the giant vat of popcorn that we bought on our way into the movie theater? Do we want to know if we are genetically predisposed to a certain disease? Can we do anything useful with next week's weather forecast for Paris if we are not in Paris?
In Too Much Information, Cass Sunstein examines the effects of information on our lives. Policymakers emphasize “the right to know,” but Sunstein takes a different perspective, arguing that the focus should be on human well-being and what information contributes to it. Government should require companies, employers, hospitals, and others to disclose information not because of a general “right to know” but when the information in question would significantly improve people's lives.
Of course, says Sunstein, we are better off with stop signs, warnings on prescription drugs, and reminders about payment due dates. But sometimes less is more. What we need is more clarity about what information is actually doing or achieving.
How much information is too much? Do we need to know how many calories are in the giant vat of popcorn that we bought on our way into the movie theater? Do we want to know if we are genetically predisposed to a certain disease? Can we do anything useful with next week's weather forecast for Paris if we are not in Paris?
In Too Much Information, Cass Sunstein examines the effects of information on our lives. Policymakers emphasize “the right to know,” but Sunstein takes a different perspective, arguing that the focus should be on human well-being and what information contributes to it. Government should require companies, employers, hospitals, and others to disclose information not because of a general “right to know” but when the information in question would significantly improve people's lives.
Of course, says Sunstein, we are better off with stop signs, warnings on prescription drugs, and reminders about payment due dates. But sometimes less is more. What we need is more clarity about what information is actually doing or achieving.
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Meet readers like you in the Fable For You feed, designed to build bookish communitiesToo Much Information Reviews
3.0
“Cass attempts to make a case against the use or consumption of information that’s against your well-being or general happiness. Proposing what I imagine as a sort of human-ostrich hybrid, but instead of burying ones head in the sand, Cass demonstrates his concepts by burying his head up his own ass.”
“A delightful non-fiction book that discusses whether or not to "ruin the popcorn". Sunstein asks, when is information disclosure too much or too little? Also, when is information disclosure necessary? This book explores these questions and more.
The writing itself is excellent and well thought out. The only issue I see with the writing is the level of language used. It may not appeal to a wider audience. Word choice is also above a certain level of education. Perhaps using simpler words, with simpler explanations would help it appeal to a wider audience.
Sunstein uses a number of studies, experiments, and references to bring validity to her main argument. The only issue here, is the amount of references used. It may have been better to use less references, and focus on the arguments instead.
Overall, Too Much Information was a well thought out and interesting read. I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a more scientific approach to a philosophical subject.”
About Cass R. Sunstein
Cass R. Sunstein, Robert Walmsley University Professor at Harvard Law School, was Administrator of the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs in the Obama administration. He was the recipient of the 2018 Holberg Prize, one of the largest annual international research prizes awarded to scholars who have made outstanding contributions to research in the arts and humanities, social science, law, or theology. He is the author of The Cost-Benefit Revolution, How Change Happens (both published by the MIT Press), Nudge: Improving Decisions about Health, Wealth, and Happiness (with Richard H. Thaler), and other books.
Other books by Cass R. Sunstein
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