Does Working Hard Really Make You a Good Person? | Azim Shariff | TED

Summary

This script explores the societal tendency to moralize effort, regardless of its outcomes. The speaker, a psychology professor, discusses studies showing that people view those who exert more effort as more moral, even when it's unproductive. This 'effort moralization' can lead to a culture of workism, where the appearance of hard work is valued over actual productivity, potentially causing personal and societal harm. The talk calls for a shift in focus from effort to meaningful productivity as a measure of morality and value.

Takeaways

• 🤖 The script discusses a hypothetical scenario where a person's job is automated but they are given the choice to either stay home or continue working, reflecting on the moral perception of work and effort.
• 💭 It highlights a study where participants viewed a character who chose to work despite automation as less competent but more moral and trustworthy.
• 🔍 The concept of 'effort moralization' is introduced, where effort is seen as inherently moral, regardless of its outcome.
• 🌏 The script suggests that the moral value placed on effort is not limited to any one culture, as similar perceptions were found in different societies.
• 🏃‍♂️ An example of a personal acquaintance, Paul, is used to illustrate how the willingness to put in effort, even in difficult tasks, can be a sign of character and reliability.
• 🤝 The script touches on the evolutionary psychology concept of 'partner choice', where qualities like generosity and hard work are valued in potential collaborators.
• 🚫 It critiques the societal level implications of effort moralization, where the focus on effort can lead to perverse incentives and inefficiencies in the workplace.
• 🏢 The term 'workism' is mentioned, describing a culture where work is central to identity and self-worth, potentially leading to overemphasis on work at the expense of other life aspects.
• 🔄 The script points out the potential for 'workism' to create a competitive environment where effort becomes a status symbol, rather than a means to an end.
• 🛠 It argues that hard work is meaningful when it serves a purpose, but questions how much effort is spent merely to build a reputation of being hardworking.
• 💡 The importance of recognizing and challenging the bias that equates effort with morality is emphasized, suggesting that focusing on meaningful outcomes can lead to a more fulfilling society.

Q & A

What is the hypothetical scenario presented in the script about Jeff, the medical scribe?

The scenario involves Jeff having his job made redundant by advanced software but still being paid for three years as per his contract. He is given two options: stay home while the software does his job, or continue working at the same pay. Different perceptions of Jeff's character arise based on the choice he makes.

What term is used to describe the phenomenon where people attach moral worth to effort, regardless of the outcome?

The term used is 'effort moralization'.

How did the perception of Jeff differ based on his choice in the hypothetical scenario?

If Jeff chose to keep working, he was seen as less competent but warmer, more moral, and a good person. If he chose to stay home, these perceptions were not mentioned.

What is the profession of the speaker in the script?

The speaker is a psychology professor at the University of British Columbia.

In what ways does the speaker's research suggest that effort moralization is a widespread phenomenon?

The research shows that effort moralization is not limited to North America but is also found in South Korea and France, and even among the Hadza people in Tanzania.

Why might people who are willing to put in effort into meaningless tasks be seen as more helpful?

Such individuals demonstrate a willingness to contribute, which makes them more likely to help others out and be reliable cooperation partners.

What is the term used to describe the societal system where jobs are a source of identity and self-actualization?

The term is 'workism'.

How does workism create a problem in the context of effort moralization?

Workism can lead to an overemphasis on the appearance of hard work rather than the actual productivity or meaningfulness of work, potentially leading to 'arms races' of unnecessary effort.

What is the term used to describe jobs that are seen as pointless and accomplish nothing of societal worth?

The term is 'bullshit jobs'.

Why might someone choose to keep working even when their job could be automated?

They might choose to continue working to signal effort and maintain their moral reputation as a hard worker, even if it doesn't add extra value.

What is the speaker's suggestion for a more meaningful approach to work?

The speaker suggests focusing on producing something meaningful rather than just the effort put in, which would create a world full of meaning and be more morally valuable.

What is the story about the British rule in India and the cobra bounty, and what lesson does it teach?

The story illustrates the problem of perverse incentives where the British government offered a bounty for cobra skins, leading to people breeding more cobras for the bounty. It teaches that focusing on the wrong signal (like effort over outcome) can lead to unintended and worsened consequences.