Getting to Yes And… | Christian Madsbjerg – ‘Look’
Aug 15, 2023
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Christian Madsbjerg, co-founder of ReD Associates and professor at the New School, discusses the importance of paying attention in a distracted world. They cover topics such as the future of remote control, the magic of supply chains, the limitations of academic research, the root of humor, the power of observation, reflections on age and screens, and the importance of challenging beliefs and having an open mind.
Observing present behaviors can help predict future trends and inform industries and technologies on how to adapt.
Deep observation without judgment or preconceptions can lead to profound understanding and insights in various fields.
Deep dives
Observing Future Behavior
The podcast episode discusses the importance of observing present behaviors to predict future trends. By studying marginal practices, such as people stealing content or obsessively watching specific shows, it becomes possible to identify emerging behaviors that may become the norm in the future. This approach allows for making informed bets on how industries and technologies should adapt to these evolving practices. The podcast highlights the example of how observing the behavior of people downloading and sharing movies led to the prediction of social TV and the rise of platforms like YouTube. The ability to observe and interpret behavior in this way is seen as essential for understanding the direction in which industries and society are heading.
The Power of Observation
The podcast emphasizes the power of careful observation as a tool for understanding the world around us. It explores the book 'Paragran' by J.A. Baker, which details the author's intense observations of peregrine falcons over a 10-year period. The book highlights how deep observation, without judgment or preconceptions, can lead to a profound understanding of the subject and the environment in which it exists. The discussion underscores the importance of observation in various fields, from comedy to scientific research, and encourages viewers to embrace observation as a way of gaining insights and challenging their own assumptions.
The Limitations of Behavioral Science
The podcast challenges the belief that human behavior can be accurately studied and predicted solely through scientific methodologies and statistics. It raises concerns about the limitations of behavioral science and neuroscience in truly understanding the complexities of human behavior. It critiques the tendency to reduce human behavior to measurable variables and calls for a greater emphasis on nuanced observation. The podcast suggests that observational studies and a deeper understanding of human context and social interaction are essential for gaining meaningful insights into behavior. It advocates for a more curious and open-minded approach to understanding human behavior, both at an individual and societal level.
Being Open to Being Wrong
The podcast highlights the importance of being open to the possibility of being wrong and constantly reevaluating one's beliefs and assumptions. It stresses the necessity of adopting a 'yes, and' mindset, where one accepts the existence of new information and perspectives that challenge their existing worldview. The podcast argues that this mindset is crucial for personal growth, creativity, and success. It encourages individuals to embrace the discomfort of having their beliefs undermined and to actively seek out differing viewpoints and observations in order to expand their understanding of the world.
Kelly speaks with Christian Madsbjerg, co-founder of the consulting firm ReD Associates and professor of applied humanities at the New School in New York City. He has a new book called “Look: How to Pay Attention in a Distracted World.”
“Creativity is never radical, insights are.”
“Stop talking and try listening. What will you hear in the silence?”
“The observer’s role is to move beyond what’s said or done to truly understand why people behave the way they do.”
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