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Status quo Quote by Richard H. Thaler

“One of the causes of status quo bias is a lack of attention. Many people adopt what we will call the “yeah, whatever” heuristic.” quote by Richard H. Thaler
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““One of the causes of status quo bias is a lack of attention. Many people adopt what we will call the “yeah, whatever” heuristic.””

Richard H. Thaler

About This Quote

Source Book: Nudge by Richard H. Thaler and Cass R. Sunstein, 2008

People often accept the status quo because they don’t pay attention, using a “yeah, whatever” shortcut.

In simple terms: Inattention fuels resistance to change.

Key Takeaway

Challenge complacency.

Themes

status quo bias attention heuristics

Mood

critical thoughtful

Type

behavioral cognitive

When to use this quote

  • marketing
  • policy design
  • personal habits

Key Concepts

behavioral economics decision making

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do you default to “whatever”?
  • How can you increase attentiveness?
A Different Perspective

The shortcut can lead to poor decisions.

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