The Paradox of Choice: Why More Is Less

Dr. Barry Schwartz is an American psychologist, author, and professor. After studying at New York University and the University of Pennsylvania, Schwartz began his career in academia, researching decision-making, morals, and motivation. Schwartz currently teaches at Swarthmore College in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, where he is the Dorwin P. Cartwright Professor Emeritus in Social Theory and Social Action.

Schwartz has published numerous research articles in academic journals, newspapers, and magazines, including Scientific American, American Psychologist, Psychological Science, and The New York Times. Schwartz has also been featured as a TED speaker, delivering talks on psychology and modern life. In his most popular TED Talk he explores the topic “The paradox of choice,” in which he explains his argument that choice overload has a detrimental effect on decision-making and people’s mental health.

Schwartz has also authored several books aimed at the general public, including The Battle for Human Nature: Science, Morality and Modern Life; The Costs of Living: How Market Freedom Erodes the Best Things in Life; and Practical Wisdom: The Right Way to Do the Right Thing. Schwartz’s decades of experience investigating choice, decision making, and personal control help him lay a solid academic foundation in The Paradox of Choice.