This is an excellent book that argues with overwhelming evidence that having more choices not only does not translate into a happier life, but in fact makes one’s life less pleasurable. It describes the phenomenon of analysis paralysis and how it makes people less willing to make decisions even when no decision will lead to worse outcomes (eg. people postpone signing up for retirement plans). In cases of small purchases, for example, people will be more regretful and thus less satisfied with the pair of jeans (perhaps the other jeans would have been better).

The author then describes what one can do to ease the burden of the already choice-rich world. In summary, being a “satisficer” rather than a “maximizer” is a better choice overall. Instead of running through all the possible options, considering all the relevant factors, in most life’s choices one should opt to go for the “good enough” choice and never look back. While there are many choices that do require deliberation and time, most of the faced choices are not worth the effort.

For those interested in a 20 minute summary, here is video of Barry Schwartz on TED.com