Curious Cook: The choices we think we have, part 2

People can be tricked into buying a second frying pan they do not need if it is marketed as having a lifetime warranty, German workmanship, etc. — Photo: Alan Levine/Flickr

The floating anchor

How humans establish a concept of value is curious, especially value in terms of worth or money. It is best illustrated by how humans would value a new item they have never encountered before, say, something like a bright blue pearl.