The article is devoted to the analysis of the basic concepts of the behavioral economics. Based on the ideas of R. Easterlin and H. Leibenstein, the author investigates a ratio of the rational and irrational in the behavior of economic subjects. Besides, many of the problems of modern consumer society receive an explanation from the point of view of the N. Howe and W. Strauss generational theory. The article shows that the irrational behavior does not arise as a random deviation; in certain conditions it is capable to get the best of rational motivations. The ratio of rational and irrational in the behavior of economic subjects is associated with their psychological characteristics and is a reaction to the constantly increasing amount of in...