While many deny knowledge of Epstein’s activities, one man approached him for it

It turns out that not everyone averted their gaze from Jeffrey Epstein’s ethical transgressions, with one behavioral researcher, Dan Ariely, actively seeking him out for insights into human nature and moral boundaries. According to The New York Times, he zeroed in on the convicted sex offender, often bringing up his past unbidden in their communications.

Ariely, a professor at Duke University’s business school, has built a reputation for understanding the human mind. This included its capacity for dishonesty and other “dodgy behavior,” so Epstein might have seemed like a tantalizing source of psychological insights. Ariely even shared that he was “deep into research on dishonesty and crime” at the time of their meetings, and many of those ideas became part of his book and documentary about dishonesty.

Their correspondence spanned from 2009 to 2019. In March 2011, Dr. Ariely sent Epstein an email sharing his research findings on forgiveness. He revealed that “Crimes related to sex do worse than anything else (even murder),” which he acknowledged wasn’t “good news” for Epstein, but he sent it “in case you are interested.” 

The relationship was clinical to begin with

Ariely asked Epstein for introductions to other criminals, like Bernie Madoff, the convicted Ponzi schemer, to add to his research on dishonesty. He even tried to enlist Epstein in research on moral boundaries and decision-making, even asking if Epstein could help a former CEO caught in a “salacious controversy” think about “life after a scandal.”

Over time, their relationship shifted. The emails show the tone between the two men becoming friendlier and more familiar. Ariely appeared to ask for funds for a consulting venture and a documentary. They conversed about vacations and common acquaintances, with Ariely asking for an introduction to Epstein’s female companion at one point. Despite this, Ariely stated, “our relationship wasn’t a friendship, and he didn’t financially support any of my projects.”

Ariely has acknowledged meeting with Epstein a few times, but said that Epstein “led me to believe he had been rehabilitated and had turned away from criminal behavior.” However, emails from the recently released Epstein files suggest more meetings, which Ariely has tried to explain away as a lapse in memory. Duke University is currently “carefully evaluating” the information, and closed Ariely’s research center as part of a “strategic realignment.”

Epstein has always had an interest in collecting star academics and investing in Academia. Knowing Ariely was seemingly a matter of pride for Epstein, even boasting once, “Dan ariely is here waiting un requited,” implying he liked to keep Dr. Ariely waiting.