LECTURE

One Day University
Practical Wisdom: The Right Way to Do the Right Thing

Barry Schwartz – Barry Schwartz is the Dorwin Cartwright professor of social theory and social action at Swarthmore College. He has written several books on human behavior topics such as learning, memory, and choice making.

"The institutions on which Americans depend are broken, but our people are not. Our hospitals, our courts, our schools, and our banks are not giving us what we want and need, but instead they are being reinvented. We do not need more technology, better rewards, or stricter rules. We need virtuous people of strong character who do the right thing for its own sake—because it's the right thing. We need people who exhibit what Aristotle called practical wisdom.

Doing the right thing for the right reasons is easier than you might think; it is certainly much easier than making a fortune in the stock market, inventing the next gadget, or getting a Ph. D. All you need - all anyone needs - is the desire, some guidance, and a little experience in settings that value and nurture wisdom instead of suppressing it. This talk will describe what practical wisdom is, why we need it, and how to nurture it. It will show that wisdom not only makes patients, clients, and students happier; it also makes doctors, lawyers, teachers, and bankers happier. And it will make you happier.

Wisdom is essential if people and society are to flourish. We will introduce a fun-to-use tool that has a proven track record with students, teachers, guidance counselors, and corporate leaders in developing good character, nurturing virtue, and finding a sense of purpose. Parents and grandparents will learn how to help their children, their grandchildren, and all those who they care about to find meaningful work, and live happier, more fulfilling lives."