Tribute to Daniel Kahneman
Behavioral Science is no more about biases and nudges. It has evolved beyond these frames into the multi-disciplinary domain. The field got its prominence because of a few thought leaders like Daniel Kahneman who made behavioral science more visible to the larger world outside academics. Through his work, he proposed to change the way we think about decisions. The world beyond academics began to notice the nuances in decision making and terms like ‘System 2 thinking’ became a part of our vocabulary. Thought leadership is not a self-proclaimed title that we put on social media. It is an acknowledgment that is given to someone who
1) Brings a shift in thinking by steering us away from the usual way we see the world
2) Helps people to demystify concepts and not complicate them with unnecessary jargon
3) Are integral in their intellectual pursuits and very generous in sharing what they know
In a world full of self-proclaimed thought-leaders, it is sad to hear the demise of a real thought-leader like Daniel Kahneman. May his soul rest in peace.
“Hard to find words for the loss of Danny Kahneman. He had the most original mind I have ever known, & also the deepest. He could connect with others – truly, madly, deeply.” – Cass Sunstein, Author of Nudge
Beliefs about power
Power is neutral. It is neither good nor bad. often, people are hesitant to use their power because they don’t know how to use it effectively, or they feel it is not needed, or they don’t realize that they already have it. Conversely, those who build their power skills can make things happen for themselves and others. Leila Sheth, the first woman judge on the Delhi High Court, faced many challenges to starting her career as a lawyer. Her boss who dismissed her initially, gave her a chance because she persisted in her request even though she heard ‘No’ from him. Power is one’s potential ability to change the course of events, overcome resistance, influence behavior, and get things done. Look inward and come to terms with your own beliefs about your power. How we look at things affects how they look.
“The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.” – Alice Walker, American novelist, short story writer, poet, and social activist
Contrast makes ordinary special
The order in which we perceive things influences our evaluation. Recently, my visit to the UK and my enduring the bitter cold weather has left me appreciating the summer back home in India. I do feel uncomfortable about the heat in Bangalore but my experience of having numb fingers and toes in the cold weather has made the heat more endurable. It made me realize that all my experiences are relative. We value or undermine something based on what takes immediate precedence. Contrast can make ordinary things or events look special. Perhaps, it is the secret sauce to making life lively.
“What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.” – John Steinbeck, American Nobel Laureate