this post was submitted on 02 Jun 2026
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An experiment with 2,520 participants backs Richard Feynman’s answer to every diner’s dilemma: do I want to try something new?

http://archive.today/CM9G2

Original article: https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2509612123

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[–] zabadoh@ani.social 6 points 5 days ago

Or you could just order what you feel like eating at that moment in time.

Some days you want the comfort of something familiar that you enjoy.

Other days, you're bored and want to try something new.

Some days you're hungry and want something more substantial. Other days, not so much.

[–] Akasazh@lemmy.world 6 points 5 days ago

Although the participants did not work out the mathematical solution — which involves a formula with square roots — their behaviour was a very close approximation of it. “The fact that, even in this simplified setting, they still find that people behave in a quite consistent — and pretty effective — way is quite impressive,” says Choshen-Hillel.

The title states that he solved the dilemma, however the experiment is focused on how closely real life customers' actions approximate the 'formula with square roots' (I mean it's nature, you may publish a formula with roots).

So essentially it is a model? I'm not sure by trading this what it is that Feynman did. I'm interested in said mathematical solution.

[–] musicalphysics@discuss.online 4 points 5 days ago

Sadly the article never provides the answer.

[–] Today@lemmy.world 3 points 5 days ago (1 children)

Interesting but didn't tell me what to order.

[–] Valmond@lemmy.dbzer0.com 1 points 5 days ago (1 children)

Yes it does; your favourite dish!

[–] frongt@lemmy.zip 0 points 5 days ago

Unless you have a lot of time left. Then you can afford to try something new.

Very cool thanks!

[–] Alcoholicorn@mander.xyz 0 points 5 days ago (1 children)

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