TED - Barry Schwartz on our loss of wisdom

Barry Schwartz on our loss of wisdom

The lecture on our loss of wisdom by Barry Schwartz helped open my eyes on the values we should be passing on to the next generation. The American culture has many recent examples of deteriorating virtues. And Barry illustrates the problems that is becoming pervasive in our society. Barry begins by defining what makes a wise person. He cites Aristotle, who believed that practical wisdom comes from moral will and moral skill. A wise person knows how to improvise, adjust, and deviate from rules when the situation is appropriate and proper. However, wisdom is neither inherent nor born, but cultivated through experience and learned from our mentors.

Barry states that rules and incentives are restricting and hindering the development of wisdom. Although rules are necessary to govern people, the problem lies in too many rules that restrains and constricts creativity and common sense. Similar to a previous post, he also believes incentives is a great tool used to motivate people to accomplish a task. However, it could motivate people with the short term goals in mind, which can leave devastation in the long term. Incentive systems will always be susceptible to be subverted by bad will. So, a balance must be struck between the quantity and scope of rules and incentives. Too much or too little can be a bad thing. But ultimately its up to people who are willing and capable to be wise that everyone else can count on and respect.

Heroes of great moral character are needed to inspire. They need to be celebrated for their paramount integrity and morality. Practical wisdom should be rewarded and respected. One of the foundations of wisdom is good will. If you have a strong sense of good will towards others, wisdom will follow.

Many of my heroes are here.