Alma – I’m actually reading “The Upside of Irrationality” right now… the first of Ariely’s books I’ve picked up. Definitely intriguing… I’ll have to check out his TED talks, hadn’t thought to peruse those yet – thanks!

Amy, I’ve been thinking about this a lot too! Have you read any of Dan Airely’s books or seen his TED talks? Our decision making strategies are so interesting (and in many cases evolutionarily pragmatic), even if they do often lead to irrational choices.

Thanks Amy. I’m thinking I might start off my Freshman Seminar course with your rope/string activity next semester in my Freshman Seminar course, so thank you for facilitating my growth as a teacher/coach!

LOVE, love, LOVE that TED talk… Curiosity/Questions, “Mess,” Reflection… all things I’ve enjoyed embracing this semester and that have reminded me what to focus more on as a leader, facilitator and coach. Thanks for sharing, and for your insightful reflection…!

Excellent, what a blog it is! This blog gives useful facts to us, keep it up.

You win! This is hands down the most awesome thing, EVER. Nicely done, Tony! Let's turn it into a poster and post it all over campus and start a revolution!!

You win! This is hands down the most awesome thing, EVER. Nicely done, Tony! Let's turn it into a poster and post it all over campus and start a revolution!!

very nice blog thanks for sharing with us

I’m right there with you – In my own words, I’d say higher education at its best serves the purpose of enabling people in their quest to become productive contributors to society. I don’t think higher ed is the only vehicle that plays a role in that. And I think the ways in which people may productively contribute are myriad. And being a productive contributor happens “best” when you know yourself, pursue your passions, understand the systems of the world (especially if you seek to change them!), and lead through service. All of which universities can support and provide outlets and resources toward…

Absolutely not, Adam! I throw these out as suggestions that have been made over the years. I am trying to get a sense of the multiple reasons people give for a college education. I go back and forth between 2 and 3, but I know that there is not ONE reason. But it may be more useful to put one at the center of focus; then others come along with it. So, e.g., if you put getting a job at the center of focus, becoming a responsible citizen may not come along with that. I would argue that putting ‘becoming a responsible citizen’ at the center might bring a job and self discovery along with it. And on like that… What’s at your center? What’s at your periphery?