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Business Quote by Daniel Gilbert

“Consider this scenario. You own shares in Company A. During the past year you considered switching to stock in Company B but decided against it. You now find that you would have been better off by 1200$ if you had switched to the stock of Company B. You also owned shares in Company C. During the…” quote by Daniel Gilbert
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““Consider this scenario. You own shares in Company A. During the past year you considered switching to stock in Company B but decided against it. You now find that you would have been better off by 1200$ if you had switched to the stock of Company B. You also owned shares in Company C. During the past year you switched to stock in Company D. You now find out that you'd have been better off by 1200$, if you kept your stock in Company C. Which error causes you more regret? Studies show that about Immune to Reality nine out of ten people expect to feel more regret when they foolishly switch stocks than when they foolishly fail to switch stocks, because most people think they will regret foolish actions more than foolish inactions. But studies also show that nine out of ten people are wrong. Indeed, in the long run, people of every age and in every walk of life seem to regret "not" having done things much more than they regret things they "did", which is why the most popular regrets include not going to college, not grasping profitable business opportunities, and not spending enough time with family and friends.””

Daniel Gilbert

About This Quote

Source Book: Stuck in the Moment, 2015

People often regret missed opportunities more than poor choices, but this pattern varies with context and personal values.

In simple terms: Regret focuses on what we didn’t do more than what we did.

Key Takeaway

Consider both action and inaction when evaluating choices.

Themes

regret decision‑making counterfactuals

Mood

analytical reflective

Type

psychological philosophical

When to use this quote

  • career planning
  • investment decisions
  • personal relationships
  • education

Key Concepts

psychology behavioral economics

Questions to Reflect On

  • What regrets have shaped your life?
  • How can you balance action and patience?
A Different Perspective

Regret intensity can be influenced by hindsight bias and social comparison.

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