Maggie's Farm

A former intern at my office is now working with this speaker and directed me to this presentation.  It's a fascinating discussion of choice.  Recently, there was a post on Maggie's about the Runaway Boxcar.  How do we approach choice in a crises?  Stress alters how we make choices, as well as how we view them. So, too, does culture.  At times, the speaker in this video criticizes American views of, and approaches to, choice.  It is unfortunate, because the entire presentation is wonderful.  She points out Americans could benefit by incorporating more collaborative approaches to choice, as opposed to the highly individualistic view we tend to have.  But she fails to mention other cultures lack the insight the American perspective has, and could benefit from more choice, rather than less.  It is also worth noting that the American perspective allows for greater collaborative approaches to choice, whereas other cultures tend to look down on individualistic views.

Choice is difficult.  Choices can, at times, be paralyzing.  But it doesn't mean that more choice is always the answer or that the American narrative on choice is wrong.  It just means the American narrative of choice is different, and that American history shows more choice may not be better, but yields better overall results.