TED – Barry Schwartz on practical wisdom

Updated on Sep 21, 2011.

Original title: “Barry Schwartz on our loss of wisdom” – Video on TED.com.

Barry Schwartz makes a passionate call for “practical wisdom” as an antidote to a society gone mad with bureaucracy. He argues powerfully that rules often fail us, incentives often backfire, and practical, everyday wisdom will help rebuild our world.

The one thing that I like the most about Barry’s message is that he simply calls each individual to self-responsibility. This call needs to be heard by our leaders – to spread the word and attitude about the political, economic or social responsibility we all have to live, and we are all expected to take it and stand up for… – and this call needs to be heard by ourselves: with too many guidelines, rules, processes in our organisations are incapacitating us as individuals, we collectively sit back and point at each other to take initiative, instead of using our own ‘practical wisdom’ and make a change!

Meet me at the TEDxVienna event, and share YOUR wildest ideas about changing the world towards more self-responsibility … and how we can make it HAPPEN together.
Or participate in the blog-parade to win one out of 15 tickets for the TEDxVienna event, read more on the TEDxVienna homepage:

TEDxVienna

About Barry Schwartz

Barry Schwartz studies the link between economics and psychology, offering startling insights into modern life. Lately, working with Ken Sharpe, he’s studying wisdom. Full bio and more links

Wear sunscreen!

The classic from Baz Luhrmann, just give it a try: “Do one thing everyday that scares you.” – “Remember compliments you receive. Forget the insults. If you succeed in doing this, tell me how.” – “Don’t worry about the future. Or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubble gum.”

Continue reading