TED Radio Hour
Future You
Dec 29, 2023
Psychologist, journalist, and philosopher discuss how to better plan for the future while allowing for the unexpected. Topics include perceiving the future self, planning for the future when hope seems dim, finding harmony between the present and the future, planning for an unpredictable future, consequences of failure in future planning, becoming good ancestors, and a philosopher's prescription for long-term thinking.
51:40
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Quick takeaways
- The brain perceives the future self as a different person, affecting decision-making and leading to prioritizing short-term gratification.
- Recognizing that our perspectives and preferences will evolve over time helps us become more adaptable and open to new ideas and possibilities.
Deep dives
The Brain Views Future Self as Separate Person
Psychologist Hal Hirschfield's research shows that the brain views the future self as a separate person. Through MRI scans, he found that different parts of the brain were activated when participants were asked about their present self versus their future self. This perception of the future self as a different person can affect our decision-making and lead to prioritizing short-term gratification over long-term benefits.
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