Barry Schwartz

Barry Schwartz is a professor of psychology at Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania, where he has been since receiving his PhD from the University of Pennsylvania in 1971. He also serves as the Dorwin Cartwright Professor of Social Theory and Social Action at the same institution. Additionally, Schwartz is a lecturer at UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business and has been a visiting professor at NYU's Stern School of Business. His work is supported by prestigious grants from the National Science Foundation, The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, and the MacArthur Foundation. Schwartz is a fellow of both the American Psychological Association and the Association for Psychological Science, and was named a Phi Beta Kappa Distinguished Visiting Lecturer for 2006-07.

Among his many publications are notable books written for popular audiences. "The Battle for Human Nature" (1986) and "The Costs of Living" (1994), both awarded as outstanding non-fiction books of the year by the Athenaeum of Philadelphia, explore the impact of economic and social organization on human values. "The Paradox of Choice: Why More Is Less" (2005), recognized as a top business book by Business Week and Forbes Magazine, argues that excessive choice can lead to decision paralysis and dissatisfaction. "Practical Wisdom: The Right Way to Do the Right Thing" (2011, with Kenneth Sharpe) discusses the cultivation of character and personal wisdom in various professional fields. His latest book, "Why We Work" (2015), examines the purpose of work and suggests new perspectives on workplace satisfaction.

Schwartz has been a prominent speaker at various platforms, including TED/TEDx events, where he has addressed topics such as strategic planning, creativity, innovation, leadership, and the relevance of the "choice problem" in modern society. He has spoken to diverse audiences including governments, trade organizations, and industries such as healthcare, finance, and the military. His insights have been featured in publications such as The New York Times, The New York Times Magazine, The Guardian, and the Harvard Business Review, and he has appeared on multiple media platforms including NPR's "Morning Edition," CNN's "Anderson Cooper 360," PBS's "Lehrer News Hour," and "CBS Sunday Morning."