People I (Mostly) Admire Sendhil Mullainathan Thinks Messing Around Is the Best Use of Your Time (Update)
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Aug 24, 2024 
Sendhil Mullainathan, a MacArthur genius and behavioral economist from the University of Chicago, shares insights on the power of experiences over material wealth. He discusses how virtual reality can revolutionize education and workplaces. The conversation explores how memory is influenced by external factors, illustrated through a humorous seminar story. Mullainathan highlights the cognitive load of scarcity and its effects on decision-making, urging a rethinking of support systems for those in need. Tune in for thought-provoking ideas on learning and psychological dynamics!
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The Importance of Play
- Sendhil Mullainathan believes that "play" such as early computer bulletin boards and virtual Dungeons and Dragons is crucial for innovation.
- This playful tinkering fuels the initial phase of infrastructure building and creates demand, leading to unexpected advancements.
VR's Immersiveness
- Virtual Reality (VR) tricks the brain with high-fidelity 3D, unlike 2D optical illusions.
- This creates a visceral, immersive experience, demonstrated by Sendhil's instinctive ducking at a dinosaur's tail in a VR simulation.
Salience and Memory
- Steve Levitt recalls Sendhil Mullainathan's seminar anecdote about memory and salience.
- A stranger wearing a clown wig makes a random fact more memorable, illustrating how unrelated factors influence perception.
