TED: What role does luck play in your life? | Barry Schwartz

The video explores the relationship between luck and justice, particularly in college admissions. It highlights the competitive nature of admissions and proposes a lottery system to address fairness. The speaker shares personal anecdotes to illustrate the role of luck in life and emphasizes the need for societal responsibility towards those less fortunate. The concept of justice is discussed, referencing John Rawls' 'veil of ignorance' to advocate for a more equal society.

What is the main topic discussed in the introduction of the video?

• The relationship between luck and justice

• The importance of hard work

• The benefits of extracurricular activities

• The role of technology in education

What is the primary reason for the intense competition among students according to the speaker?

• Insufficient study materials

• Increasing standards in college admissions

• Lack of extracurricular activities

• Poor teaching methods

What solution does the speaker propose to address the fairness issue in college admissions?

• Providing more scholarships

• Increasing the number of colleges

• Introducing a lottery system

• Lowering admission standards

According to the speaker, why might a lottery system be more honest?

• It is easier to implement

• It eliminates competition

• It reveals the inherent injustice

• It guarantees everyone gets in

What does the speaker use to illustrate the role of luck in their life?

• Their academic achievements

• Their financial success

• Their career path

• Personal anecdotes

How did the speaker's career at Swarthmore begin?

• By attending a job fair

• Due to a friend's career change

• By applying to multiple jobs

• Through a planned career path

What concept does John Rawls introduce in his book 'A Theory of Justice'?

• The impact of technology

• The veil of ignorance

• The importance of luck

• The role of education

What question does John Rawls pose regarding society?

• What is the role of technology in society?

• How can we eliminate luck?

• What kind of society would we create if we didn't know our position?

• How can we improve education?

What does the speaker suggest we owe to those less fortunate?

• Equal opportunities

• Recognition and celebration

• Financial support

• A chance to speak at TED

What is the speaker's final message to the audience?

• To work harder for success

• To acknowledge and support those less lucky

• To focus on personal achievements

• To ignore societal issues