Worklife with Adam Grant The psychology of human delusions with filmmaker Adam McKay
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Nov 8, 2022 Filmmaker Adam McKay, known for his sharp satirical lens on society through works like *Don't Look Up* and *Succession*, delves into the psychology of human delusion and narcissism. He reflects on how improv comedy influenced his creativity and narrative style. The conversation reveals the concept of the 'delusion economy' thriving in today's media landscape, while also highlighting the crucial role of humor in activism and social commentary. Themes of moral ambiguity and personal integrity round out this insightful and entertaining discussion.
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Improv Origin Story
- Adam McKay gave horse carriage tours around Independence Hall in Philadelphia.
- He and his friend Rick Roman would make up facts and slip them into the tours unnoticed.
The Delusion Economy
- Adam McKay focuses on characters with inflated egos and delusions because our media landscape promotes a "delusion economy".
- This is driven by the profit motive of sales, which often involves some degree of delusion.
Information Overload and Manipulation
- Modern problems are often attributed to mythical individuals, obscuring systemic issues.
- Information warfare and constant advertising bombard Americans, blurring reality and lies.