Barry
Schwartz: The paradox of choice
Psychologist Barry Schwartz
takes aim at a central tenet of western societies: freedom
of choice. In Schwartz's estimation, choice has made us
not freer but more paralyzed, not happier but more dissatisfied.
In his 2004 book The
Paradox of Choice , Barry Schwartz tackles one of the great
mysteries of modern life: Why is it that societies of great
abundance — where individuals are offered more freedom
and choice (personal, professional, material) than ever
before — are now witnessing a near-epidemic of depression?
Conventional wisdom tells us that greater choice is for
the greater good, but Schwartz argues the opposite: He makes
a compelling case that the abundance of choice in today's
western world is actually making us miserable. (19 minutes
37 seconds)
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