Why We Work

Swarthmore psychology professor and TED Talk speaker Barry Schwartz addresses issues surrounding work in contemporary life. He investigates why work alienates most people and touches on the myth that skilled professionals, financial wizards and creative people savor their work in ways members of the working class do not. Schwartz seeks to inspire you to consider the intersection of industry and individualism while offering singular, prescient insights into how work might corrupt, become corrupted, reward and punish.

Despite Schwartz’s willful absence of over-arching conclusions or directives, employers seeking to create better workplaces and anyone aspiring to a more meaningful work life will find that he offers myriad thought-provoking questions. Answers, not so much.