Ideas worth spreading

Our loss of wisdom

4,593,549 views | Barry Schwartz • TED2009

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.

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.

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

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Barry Schwartz

Psychology professor

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Barry Schwartz studies the link between economics and psychology, offering startling insights into modern life.

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This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.