Marian Miner Cook
Athenaeum

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The Paradox of Choice

Wed, September 20, 2017
Dinner Program
Barry Schwartz

Built into the DNA of the U.S. and other western societies is the conviction that freedom of choice is good, and more choice is always better than less. But Barry Schwartz, emeritus professor of psychology at Swarthmore College and visiting professor at Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, argues the opposite, making the case that the abundance of choice in western societies is actually making us miserable. 

Barry Schwartz’s research and writings address morality, decision-making, and the complex relationships between science and society and are applicable to not only individuals but diverse industries and organizations. A prolific author and speaker, Schwartz has published a dozen books and over 200 articles in scientific, professional, and academic publications. A frequent guest on television and radio, Schwartz has also spoken at TED multiple times. His TED talks have been viewed by over 12 million times.

Schwartz’s 2004 book The Paradox of Choice: Why More Is Less was named one of the top business books of that year by both Business Week and Forbes Magazine. It has since been translated into twenty-five languages. Schwartz’s also wrote Practical Wisdom: The Right Way to Do the Right Thing, with colleague Ken Sharpe. Most recently, Schwartz published Why We Work.

Schwartz is emeritus professor of psychology at Swarthmore College and is currently a visiting professor at Berkeley’s Haas School of Business.

View Video: YouTube with Barry Schwartz

Food for Thought: Podcast with Barry Schwartz

Marian Miner Cook Athenaeum

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