Episode 88: Barry Schwartz - The Paradox of Choice

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Barry Schwartz is a TED speaker, a professor, a social scientist, and the author of "The Paradox of Choice." During our conversation, Barry talks about decision paralysis, the downsides of having too many options, and the difference between what calls a "maximizer" and a "satisficier." He also talks about his view that modern depression is in part caused people feeling overwhelmed by choice, how social media and modernity have exacerbated the paradox of choice, and the importance of individuals to intentionally limit their choices.

Barry writes in his book: “There’s no question that some choice is better than none, but it doesn’t follow from that that more choice is better than some choice.” "The Paradox of Choice" is nearly 20 years old, and its message, to me, is both counterintuitive and evergreen. It flies in the face of the most American of ideals: the value of freedom, the value of endless optionality.

To my mind, Barry's ideas are worth considering. He's right that endless choice can lead to “paralysis rather than liberation" - an observation that our culture, increasingly, would do well to heed.

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(00:00) Intro

(02:11) The genesis of "The Paradox of Choice"

(07:51) The relevance of "The Paradox of Choice" today

(12:17) The ideal of freedom of choice in Western Civilization

(15:12) "Maximizer" vs "Satisficer"

(19:08) Is it ever wise to be a "Maximizer"?

(25:56) Depression caused by excess choice

(27:40) How can Maximizers be persuaded to change?

(31:00) Placing intentional limits on yourself

(34:16) What else is causing the negativity of excess choice?

(42:02) Insatiability and workaholism in America

(49:06) Increasing choice decreases economic activity

(53:40) Dating, choice, and how to change