The science of greed | Paul K. Piff | TEDxMarin

The Science of Greed : Why the Ideology of self interest could be the downfall of the American Dream. Wealth may seem like mostly an unmitigated good, yet it also has significant costs. My research reveals the pernicious effects of inequality and why something must be done about them...before it's too late.
Paul K. Piff is a social psychologist and research scientist in the Psychology Department at the University of California, Berkeley. He holds a B.A. in Psychology from Reed College and a Ph.D. in Psychology from UC Berkeley.

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[traderpapertiga]

Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value. - Einstein

[silviacasabianca]

Thanks for this presentation. I find it amazing that research is proving that we have built untenable societies. This money-making goals that are feeding greed and individualism and narcissism are destroying any sense of community and eventually will destroy the planet.

[jwrosenbury]

So frequent reminders of compassion help people to work together better. 

I guess that hour on sunday morning serves more than one purpose.

[eliakimjosephsophia]

An interesting observation for me was when a table was full of food, and there was only only dish that was specifically cooked and served for me. Yet one of the people at the lunch chose to eat what I had been given, whilst I couldn't eat what else was the on table. That revealed so much about that person's heart and for sure it is about the heart, and with some people it doesn't matter how much you give them, they will still desire what someone has and think it is their right to take it.

[sohaibahmed]

We learned about this in sociology class about rich and poor. We should develope more empathy for others. Often times we're so tangled in our own world.

The most interesting part of this experiment was the response from the audience...they were laughing, and generally feeling entertained rather than understanding the deeper social implications...these people could give less than a sh** about others who have nothing. This TED Talk took place in Marin and it is a fact that most of the people in that community are arrogant and self-serving...sad but true. And no, we do not all have the same opportunities in this country to succeed and generate wealth...the so-called American dream is a hoax!

[HulkHulk-fhuf]

This study should be used to destroy the myth of trickle down economics that if you give to the rich that will trickle down to the poor.

[paulmryglod]

this speaks to the potential of every person to be changed by circumstances for better or worse

[Red-Revolution]

I used to think War would kill Man but ‘Greed’ will kill Man . Just look at the World .

[jessytheyodellingirl]

This is why humility and compassion are important. Often we feel deserving to be a bit greedy because we think work hard enough, or feel more special in some way, etc. When in the reality we're just the same as the next person; we feel the same fear, hurt, pain, sadness, anger, frustration..

[jeffsadowski]

It took a "we" to make a "me." If you remember that you are an individual as well as part of a collective that's all you need to remember to have much but to remember where that came from. No one became a success in anything without help or the continued actions of others to keep that alive. Fantastic presentation and message here. The heart has an in and out door and both sides are always adding up to something more:)

[lerenah]

Absolutely LOVED this! It made me want to learn Psychology again.

[lanegardinier]

Watching this now in 2021 and it is even more stark than ever how unequal life is in The US, this is more relevant now than ever, sadly enough.

[silverturtlestitcher]

1 Timothy 3:1, 2--"But know this, that in the last days...men will be lovers of money, boastful, haughty..."

[infinger]

And one more thought... Jesus throws a wrench into this whole thing. The rich (truly under Jesus) know that riches are given for the purpose of helping others. Great condemnation is spoken for those that take advantage of the poor and helpless.
Love that Jesus guy..

[Chamelionroses]

The odd thing about the hierarchy power trap is when a poorer person gets wealthy financially absolute power corrupts absolutely likely. Then if a person is charitable for efforts of selflessness it makes them happier ....giving has another scientific study on that.

I think some that have addictions get very greedy and miserable. It is an ancient battle with that King Midas golden touch in over use.

[freethinker]

The fist step is to offset the education imbalance. The first start is to teach personal finance in school so that poor kids can grow up with the same education as wealthy kids. So that these children get armed with the knowledge they need to overcome poverty.

[spacer]

Insurance industry is one of the richest rackets currently operating in these United Slaves of America. Every working (and most non-working) human resource works to pay his/her insurance bill. Then there’s also a non-voluntary deduction to pay protection money to the military industrial complex. Oh slavery is abolished on paper, but in practice it is so evenly spread that you’de need a micron-eye to see it.

[SirMrEsquire]

My only critique is his hopeful analysis of the rich pledging to give away their wealth. Bill gates, for example, didn't just "give away" his fortune. He donated it to the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation, giving him a massive tax write off. In turn, he owns the foundation and can choose how he spends the money that was donated. He handed money from his left pocket to his right pocket.

[rens.]

When im workomg on my door to door sales job, we try to persuasie people to donate to charity, like the salvation army they help homeless people, and people who are poot themselves are more likely to donate then people with the big houses and the Nice cars