We are easily influenced by authority figures from "summary" of Predictably Irrational, Revised by Dan Ariely
Think about a time when you found yourself in a situation where someone in a position of authority had a significant impact on your decisions. Maybe you were at work and your boss suggested a certain course of action that you ultimately followed, even though you weren't completely convinced it was the best choice. Or perhaps you were in a classroom setting, and your teacher made a recommendation that swayed your opinion on a particular topic. These instances are examples of how easily we can be influenced by authority figures. Authority figures hold a certain power over us, influencing the way we think and behave in various situations. This influence can be subtle, such as when a teacher offers a suggestion, or more direct, like when a police officer gives a command. Regardless of the context, the presence of authority figures can shape our decisions and actions in ways we may not even realize. But why are we so susceptible to the influence of authority figures? One reason may be our tendency to trust those in positions of power. We often assume that authority figures have more knowledge or expertise than we do, so we are more likely to defer to their judgm...
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