TED: Does working hard really make you a good person? | Azim Shariff

The video explores the concept of effort moralization, where effort is seen as a moral quality regardless of its outcome. Through various studies and cultural perspectives, it highlights how people value hard work and effort, even in meaningless tasks. The societal implications of this mindset are discussed, including the creation of work environments that prioritize effort over productivity. The video critiques this approach, suggesting that focusing on meaningful outcomes is more beneficial.

In the hypothetical scenario, what choice does Jeff face regarding his job?

• Continue working or let software do his job

• Switch to a different career

• Negotiate a higher salary

• Take a sabbatical

What is 'effort moralization' as discussed in the video?

• The notion that effort is unnecessary in modern society

• The concept that effort should be minimized for efficiency

• The idea that effort has moral worth regardless of its outcome

• The belief that effort is only valuable if it leads to success

Which countries were mentioned as having similar views on effort moralization?

• Brazil, Russia, and South Africa

• Canada, China, and India

• United States, Japan, and Germany

• United States, South Korea, and France

What personal quality does the story of Paul illustrate?

• The importance of physical fitness

• The value of charisma in the workplace

• Effort as a sign of moral character

• The need for expensive lifestyle choices

What is 'partner choice' in evolutionary psychology?

• Deciding on a career path

• Picking a suitable lifestyle

• Choosing the best cooperation partners

• Selecting the best romantic partner

What is the main critique of 'workism' presented in the video?

• It promotes financial success

• It encourages leisure over work

• It creates a culture of overwork

• It leads to increased productivity

How does 'workism' affect societal values according to the video?

• It enhances creativity and innovation

• It prioritizes effort over meaningful outcomes

• It reduces the need for collaboration

• It fosters a sense of community

What does the 'cobra effect' story illustrate about incentives?

• Incentives are unnecessary in modern economies

• Proper incentives eliminate all inefficiencies

• Misaligned incentives can worsen problems

• Incentives always lead to positive outcomes

What shift does the video suggest for a more moral world?

• From capitalism to socialism

• From individualism to collectivism

• From effort to meaningful production

• From productivity to effort

What is the potential outcome of focusing on meaningful production?

• A world with less innovation

• A world with more competition

• A world full of meaning

• A world full of hard labor