I watched two fascinating videos which emerged from TED. The first by Dan Ariely, entitled “Are we in control of our own decisions?” and the second is by Malcolm Gladwell who talks naturally on spaghetti sauce.

Both in there very own way tackled a question which is increasingly becoming interesting to me as I give it more thought and that is the question of choice, destiny and if what we choose is really our choice. It’s probabaly best at this point for you to watch the videos to get the context (see you in a while)

And this one…

Great!! You’re done… See I told you they were fascinating.

As humans we, at least I have thought for a long time, one of the best things being the species that we is that we have conscious choice, the freedom to determine our futures, lay our paths and change course at the flick of a decision. And to some extent that may still be true, but now as I look back at it, in every stage our brain is manipulating us, it is looking for the socially expected decision, the easiest option, even if it is illogical.

We all, no doubt know that humans are easily manipulated, lies and deceit often blaze that gravy train. But it’s interesting to here about human reaction when choice is put in front of them, especially when some choices are deliberately or not put in to steer a person in the right direction, almost like a slight of hand and misdirection for the mind.

I like Doctor Moskowitz idea of there is only perfection in plurals, “there is no perfect pickle, there are only perfect pickles” this can be extended to anything, which I interpret to mean choice does not rest on the ideas of many but on the options laid out in front of the person. As Moskowitz otherwise put it “the mind knows not what the tongue wants” in reference to people not always being able / want to articulate or be aware of their choice.

Those that better understand anthropology, will have a more informed life, living on the edge of the herd! Those that understand anthropology and marketing should have illustrious careers.