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Commitment Quote by Nir Eyal

“A psychological phenomenon known as the escalation of commitment has been shown to make our brains do all sorts of funny things. The power of commitment makes some people play video games until they keel over and die.[c] It is used to influence people to give more to charity.[ci] It has even been…” quote by Nir Eyal
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““A psychological phenomenon known as the escalation of commitment has been shown to make our brains do all sorts of funny things. The power of commitment makes some people play video games until they keel over and die.[c] It is used to influence people to give more to charity.[ci] It has even been used to coerce prisoners of war into switching allegiances.[cii] The commitments we make have a powerful effect on us and play an important role in the things we do, the products we buy, and the habits we form.””

Nir Eyal

About This Quote

Source Book: Hooked by Nir Eyal, 2014

Commitment can bias decisions, leading people to persist in costly actions despite negative outcomes.

In simple terms: Commitment can trap us in bad choices.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and reassess commitments regularly.

Themes

psychology decision-making behavior commitment escalation

Mood

reflective cautious

Type

analytical insightful

When to use this quote

  • marketing campaigns
  • charity fundraising
  • gaming habits
  • military persuasion

Key Concepts

cognitive bias self‑control social influence

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you continue a habit because of past investment?
  • How can you set safe to avoid escalation?
A Different Perspective

Commitment may be overridden by strong external incentives.

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