Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Dan Ariely

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 21, 2026

Discover the career path of Dan Ariely, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Dan Ariely is an Israeli-American professor of psychology and behavioral economics at Duke University, known for his research and writings on irrationality and decision-making. He is the author of several New York Times best-selling books, including *Predictably Irrational*, exploring how people deviate from rational behavior in predictable ways. Ariely also co-produced a documentary on dishonesty and wrote an advice column for the Wall Street Journal. His work has had practical applications, leading him to co-found companies based on behavioral science insights. His research and book *Predictably Irrational* inspired the NBC television series *The Irrational*.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

1991: Graduation from Tel Aviv University

In 1991, Dan Ariely graduated from Tel Aviv University with a degree in psychology.

1994: Earned Master's Degree

In 1994, Dan Ariely earned a master's degree in cognitive psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

1998: Second Ph.D. at Duke University and Teaching at MIT

In 1998, Dan Ariely completed a second Ph.D. in business administration at Duke University and began teaching at MIT.

2008: Return to Duke University

In 2008, Dan Ariely returned to Duke University as the James B. Duke Professor of psychology and behavioral economics.

2008: 2008 Financial Crisis

In 2011, Dan Ariely worked on the documentary The Flaw, which investigates the causes of the 2008 financial crisis, and presented scientific data on human behavior, motivation, and decision-making.

2011: Work on The Flaw Documentary

In 2011, Dan Ariely worked on the documentary The Flaw, which investigates the causes of the 2008 financial crisis, and presented scientific data on human behavior.

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June 2012: Author of "Ask Ariely" in The Wall Street Journal

In June 2012, Dan Ariely began writing an advice column called "Ask Ariely" in The Wall Street Journal.

2012: Co-founding of Timeful

In 2012, Dan Ariely co-founded Timeful with Yoav Shoham and Jacob Bank, aspiring to develop a time management app that helps people use time better and avoid procrastination.

2013: Co-founding of Irrational Labs

In 2013, Dan Ariely and Kristen Berman co-founded Irrational Labs, a consulting firm aimed at applying behavioral economics to consumer behavior and decision-making.

2014: Co-founding of Genie

In 2014, Dan Ariely co-founded the kitchen appliance company Genie with Ayelet Carasso-Stenberg and Doron Marco, which manufactures a food "replicator" that cooks freeze-dried meals in cartridges.

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2015: Appearance in (Dis)Honesty: The Truth About Lies

In 2015, Dan Ariely appeared in the documentary (Dis)Honesty: The Truth About Lies, which explores why people lie, how often they do it, and the consequences of dishonest behavior.

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2015: Contribution to Boom Bust Boom

In 2015, Dan Ariely contributed to Boom Bust Boom, a documentary about economic crashes.

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2015: Investment in and Appointment at Qapital

In 2015, Dan Ariely invested in Qapital, a personal finance app, and was appointed as its chief behavioral economist; he was later named chairman of the board.

2015: Acquisition of Timeful by Google

In 2015, the Timeful app, which was co-founded by Dan Ariely, was acquired by Google.

2015: Release of (Dis)Honesty: The Truth About Lies Documentary

In 2015, the documentary film (Dis)Honesty: The Truth About Lies was released, with Dan Ariely presenting the film and offering analysis on the psychological mechanisms that drive deceit.

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2016: Appointment as Chief Behavioral Officer at Lemonade

In 2016, Dan Ariely took on the position of chief behavioral officer at Lemonade, an insurance company that integrates aspects of behavioral economics into its insurance model.