Dan Ariely Explains His Unconventional Choices and Public Image
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
Behavioral economist Dan Ariely discussed his partial beard, a result of a childhood accident, which he says many Israeli women find unattractive. He also explained his decision to run for the Knesset with the Pirate Party while asking people not to vote for them, aiming to boost civic engagement and election monitoring. Ariely sees these choices as embracing his personal history and promoting important public discourse.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Dan Ariely's partial beard, a result of an 18-year-old accident, is seen as unattractive by many Israeli women.
- Ariely keeps the beard as a symbol of accepting his asymmetry and past injury.
- He ran for the Knesset with the Pirate Party but asked voters not to support them.
- The Pirate Party's goal was to recruit election observers and encourage civic participation.
- Ariely's unconventional choices stem from a desire to overcome fear and promote public discussion.
Renowned behavioral economist and author Dan Ariely revealed personal choices that have impacted his public image and romantic prospects in an interview with Moshe Nussbaum on N12. Ariely, known for his research on irrational decision-making, discussed a decision stemming from a severe accident he suffered at age 18.
During a youth movement activity, chemical materials exploded near him, causing severe burns to about 70% of his body, including his face. After nearly three years of hospitalization and rehabilitation, a lasting consequence is the absence of beard growth on one side of his face. While he initially shaved, Ariely decided to keep the partial beard after a month-long trek where he didn't shave, embracing his asymmetry.
However, Ariely noted that in Israel, particularly from women who wish him well, he receives strong negative reactions to his partial beard. They tell him it makes him unattractive and harms his romantic chances. Even when he explains that the beard represents his acceptance of his asymmetry and injury, they advise him to remove it. For Ariely, keeping the beard is a way to accept his past rather than hide it.
Ariely also addressed his decision to run for the Knesset with the Pirate Party, where he was listed third, while simultaneously asking the public not to vote for them. He explained that the primary goal was not to enter parliament but to encourage civic engagement and monitor election integrity. The party successfully recruited nearly 5,000 election observers. Ariely hopes those who have found a political home elsewhere will not vote for the Pirates, though he believes the party can represent those who feel unrepresented by other parties.
Ariely joined the Pirate Party after initially dismissing it, but a personal event changed his mind. He accompanied his friend Moshe Talmon to Switzerland, where Talmon chose to end his life. Upon returning to Israel, Ariely decided to overcome his fear of appearing ridiculous and use the opportunity to raise public discussion on important issues. Thus, the man who studies decision-making made two seemingly disadvantageous choices: maintaining an appearance he believes hinders his romantic life and running for election while asking not to be voted for.