Title: Nudge: The Final Edition (revised & updated)
Authors: Richard H. Thaler; Cass R. Sunstein
Publication dates (EN): April 8, 2008 (first ed., Yale University Press); Aug 3, 2021 (The Final Edition, Penguin / Yale, 384 pp.).
Pages (EN): 384 (Final Edition). Earlier 2008 printings list ~293–312 pp. depending on format.
Value for PMs & founders (problem it solves)
A practical playbook to design ethical choice architecture—defaults, simplification, feedback, option structuring—to improve adoption and outcomes without coercion. The Final Edition adds material on COVID-19, climate, personal finance, and sludge reduction.
Summary
Thaler & Sunstein’s libertarian paternalism argues that small changes in choice architecture can lead to large improvements in decisions “as judged by the choosers.” Classic examples include default enrollment and social norms; the 2021 update revisits evidence and expands to new domains (health, environment, privacy, administrative sludge).
3 community-reported takeaways (with sources)
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Defaults drive behavior—opt-out and smart defaults reliably boost participation (savings, organ donation). PMC
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The core toolkit works across contexts—defaults, feedback, mappings, structuring complex choices are repeatedly validated in field work (e.g., BIT/OECD case studies). BIT
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Beware “dark patterns/defaults”—nudges must serve users; mis-nudges and sludge can harm welfare (e.g., pre-checked recurring donations). PNAS
Buy online (international)
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Penguin Random House — Nudge: The Final Edition. PenguinRandomhouse.com
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Yale University Press — Final Edition (hardcover, 384 pp.). Yale University Press
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Barnes & Noble — The Final Edition. Barnes & Noble
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Bookshop.org — indie bookstores (Final Edition). Bookshop
Author of Impact Factories / Co-founder of Shy Robotics and Product Whys / Head of Product at Dassault Systèmes / Engineer passionate about innovation and entrepreneurship
Full bibliography here
