In memory of Daniel Kahneman (1934–2024)
Apr 2024
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With the passing of Daniel Kahneman on March 27, 2024, the world bids farewell to a remarkable scholar whose pioneering work has forever altered our understanding of human behavior. Born in Tel Aviv on March 5, 1934, Kahneman’s early experiences in war-torn Palestine instilled in him a deep fascination with the complexities of human decision-making under stress and uncertainty. His tenure in the Israeli Defense Forces provided Kahneman with firsthand insights into the intricacies of human judgment, igniting a lifelong pursuit of unraveling the mysteries of the human mind. It was during this time that he began laying the groundwork for his groundbreaking research on decision-making processes.

The fortuitous encounter with Amos Tversky in 1969 marked a turning point in Kahneman’s career, as their collaboration birthed a paradigm shift in the fields of economics and psychology. Together, they challenged the prevailing orthodoxy of rational decision-making, giving rise to Prospect Theory and illuminating the biases and heuristics that govern human choice. Kahneman’s seminal contributions extended far beyond the confines of academia, permeating into diverse spheres of society, from business to public policy. His famous book, Thinking, Fast and Slow, served as a beacon for those seeking to understand the inner workings of the human mind, bridging the gap between scientific inquiry and everyday cognition.

In his later years, Daniel turned his attention to the pursuit of happiness and subjective well-being, shedding light on the intricacies of human satisfaction and fulfillment. His insights into the interplay between wealth, happiness, and well-being enriched the field of behavioral economics, offering profound implications for our collective pursuit of a meaningful life.

As we bid farewell to this titan of thought, let us honor Daniel’s legacy by continuing to push the boundaries of knowledge and embracing his unwavering spirit of inquiry. Though he may have departed this world, his legacy will endure, shaping the course of human understanding for generations to come. In remembrance of Daniel Kahneman, let us celebrate not only his extraordinary achievements but also the enduring impact of his profound insights on our collective consciousness.

With the passing of Daniel Kahneman on March 27, 2024, the world bids farewell to a remarkable scholar whose pioneering work has forever altered our understanding of human behavior. Born in Tel Aviv on March 5, 1934, Kahneman’s early experiences in war-torn Palestine instilled in him a deep fascination with the complexities of human decision-making under stress and uncertainty. His tenure in the Israeli Defense Forces provided Kahneman with firsthand insights into the intricacies of human judgment, igniting a lifelong pursuit of unraveling the mysteries of the human mind. It was during this time that he began laying the groundwork for his groundbreaking research on decision-making processes.

The fortuitous encounter with Amos Tversky in 1969 marked a turning point in Kahneman’s career, as their collaboration birthed a paradigm shift in the fields of economics and psychology. Together, they challenged the prevailing orthodoxy of rational decision-making, giving rise to Prospect Theory and illuminating the biases and heuristics that govern human choice. Kahneman’s seminal contributions extended far beyond the confines of academia, permeating into diverse spheres of society, from business to public policy. His famous book, Thinking, Fast and Slow, served as a beacon for those seeking to understand the inner workings of the human mind, bridging the gap between scientific inquiry and everyday cognition.

Optimism as a source of danger

Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman has repeatedly addressed the consequences of risk aversion and excessive optimism in his work. In his lecture at the University of Zurich in 2013, he focused on the economic consequences of decisions made by risk-averse and risk-taking individuals, drawing on his famous book Thinking, Fast and Slow. In our Nobel Opinions series, you will find various material – from videos, to interviews, to summaries – featuring Prof. Kahneman’s work.

Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman has repeatedly addressed the consequences of risk aversion and excessive optimism in his work. In his lecture at the University of Zurich in 2013, he focused on the economic consequences of decisions made by risk-averse and risk-taking individuals, drawing on his famous book Thinking, Fast and Slow. In our Nobel Opinions series, you will find various material – from videos, to interviews, to summaries – featuring Prof. Kahneman’s work.

Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman: Thinking, Fast and Slow
Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman: Thinking, Fast and Slow

UBS Center Opinion

Selected eulogies

  • Daniel Kahneman ist tot SRF Radio 28.3.2024 hören

  • Verluste schmerzen viel mehr, als uns gleich hohe Gewinne freuen – diese Einsicht verdanken wir Daniel Kahneman NZZ Thomas Fuster 28.3.2024 lesen

  • Remembering Daniel Kahneman BBC Radio 4 Tim Harford 30.3.2024 listen

  • Daniel Kahneman, Nobel laureate who upended economics, dies at 90 Washington Post Chris Power 27.3.2024 read