Understanding Practical Wisdom and Its Role in Society

The video discusses the importance of practical wisdom, as highlighted by Barack Obama's inaugural address. It uses examples of hospital janitors who go beyond their job descriptions to show empathy and care, illustrating Aristotle's concept of practical wisdom. The video critiques over-reliance on rules and incentives, using a story about a child drinking Mike's Hard Lemonade to show how procedures can stifle moral judgment. It emphasizes the need to celebrate moral heroes and create environments that foster moral skill and will, concluding with a call to action for individuals and organizations to nurture practical wisdom.

What did Barack Obama emphasize in his inaugural address as a way to overcome the financial crisis?

• Trusting the government

• Putting aside childish things

• Investing heavily

• Shopping more

What is the key element that hospital janitors demonstrated, according to the speaker?

• Moral will and skill

• Strict adherence to rules

• Financial acumen

• Technical skills

According to the speaker, what is necessary for developing practical wisdom?

• Formal education

• Experience and mentorship

• Financial incentives

• Strict rules

What was the outcome of the lemonade incident at the baseball game?

• The father was fined

• The child was sent to a foster home

• The child was immediately returned home

• The security guard was reprimanded

What does the speaker suggest is a consequence of over-relying on rules and incentives?

• Better compliance

• Increased efficiency

• Enhanced creativity

• A war on wisdom

How did the introduction of financial incentives affect the willingness of Swiss citizens to host nuclear waste dumps?

• No change in willingness

• Decreased willingness

• Increased willingness

• Caused confusion

What is one way the speaker suggests to re-moralize work?

• Enforce stricter rules

• Increase financial incentives

• Celebrate moral exemplars

• Implement more ethics courses

What is the primary objective of character education according to the speaker?

• To increase school funding

• To teach respect for self and others

• To prepare for college

• To improve test scores

What does the speaker identify as the virtue needed above all others?

• Honesty

• Kindness

• Practical wisdom

• Courage

What does the speaker believe people want to be allowed to do?

• Avoid responsibility

• Follow rules

• Be virtuous

• Be financially successful