I want a pair of jeans-32–28, I said. Do you want them slim fit, easy fit, relaxed fit, baggy, or extra baggy? she replied. Do you want them stonewashed, acid-washed, or distressed? Do you want them button-fly or zipper-fly? Do you want them faded or regular? I was stunned. A moment or two later I sputtered out something like, I just want regular jeans. You know, the kind that used to be the only kind.
In this excerpt from "The Paradox of Choice: Why More Is Less," Barry Schwartz illustrates the overwhelming variety of choices available in modern consumer culture. The narrator's simple request for a pair of jeans quickly spirals into a complex array of options, highlighting the anxiety and confusion that can arise from decision-making. The sales assistant presents numerous style and wash options, leading the narrator to feel stressed rather than satisfied by the shopping experience.
This scenario emphasizes a key theme of Schwartz's book: that having too many choices can actually hinder our ability to make decisions. The narrator’s desire for just a straightforward pair of jeans reflects a longing for simplicity in a world filled with excessive options, reinforcing the idea that sometimes less is more. Instead of being liberated by choice, the abundance of options can lead to indecision and dissatisfaction.
