TED: How common threats can make common (political) ground | Jonathan Haidt

The video uses the metaphor of asteroids to discuss global threats like climate change, economic challenges, and political polarization. It highlights the need for cooperation across political divides to address these issues. The speaker emphasizes moral psychology's role in polarization and suggests reforms to improve political functionality. The concept of the 'Asteroids Club' is introduced to encourage bipartisan cooperation against common threats.

What metaphor does the speaker use to describe significant threats like global warming?

• Volcanoes

• Asteroids

• Earthquakes

• Hurricanes

What is one of the main reasons for the rising national debt according to the speaker?

• Infrastructure development

• Unfunded tax cuts

• Increased military spending

• Rising healthcare costs

What does the speaker suggest is a key principle of moral psychology?

• Morality enlightens and educates

• Morality isolates and separates

• Morality binds and blinds

• Morality divides and conquers

According to the speaker, what is a major consequence of rising wealth inequality?

• Improved educational outcomes

• Decreased trust among citizens

• Enhanced economic growth

• Increased social mobility

What societal issue does the speaker link to rising nonmarital births?

• Increased educational attainment

• Higher crime rates

• Rising income inequality

• Greater economic stability

Which group does the speaker mention as a potential ally in addressing income inequality?

• Military veterans

• Environmental activists

• Evangelical Christian groups

• Tech entrepreneurs

What is one reform suggested by the speaker to reduce political polarization?

• Increase the number of political parties

• Implement open primaries

• Reduce the number of congressional seats

• Limit media coverage of politics

What does the speaker identify as a common factor that can unite people across political divides?

• Shared cultural heritage

• Technological advancements

• Common threats

• Economic prosperity

What example does the speaker give of successful bipartisan cooperation?

• Healthcare reform

• Criminal justice reform

• Environmental protection

• Education policy

What is the speaker's proposed first mission to address incoming 'asteroids'?

• Press Congress to reform itself

• Increase military spending

• Promote global cooperation

• Enhance technological innovation