The Money Paradox

Psychologist Laurie Santos studies human irrationality by observing how primates make decisions — including some not-so-savvy money choices their human relatives often make. Behavioral economist Keith Chen says languages that don't have a future tense strongly correlate with higher savings. Social psychologist Paul Piff describes how wealth changes behavior and how almost anyone's behavior can change when they're made to feel rich. Writer Daniel Pink explains why traditional rewards like money aren't always successful motivators. And social scientist Michael Norton researches how money can buy happiness — when you don't spend it on yourself. The key is social spending that benefits not just you, but other people.

Learn more or listen again to this week's episode.

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