Erica's Story

Since 2005, the Aspen Ideas Festival, sponsored by the Aspen Institute and Atlantic Magazine, has gathered scientists, artists, politicians, historians, educators, activists, and other great thinkers for a week each summer for a conversation-packed exploration of some of the most important ideas and pressing issues we face. The Festival strives to highlight the ideas of experts at the forefront of their fields and of leaders whose actions are changing the world.

At the 2010 Aspen Ideas Festival held July 5-11, New York Times columnist David Brooks discussed what scientists are learning about the human mind - and what that means for both our lives and our public policy.  He does so by following the life, from cradle to grave, of a fictional character, Erica.

Listening to David's presentation, I suggest that what scientists are learning about the human mind is as applicable to organizational policy and family policy as it is to public policy.

I was unable to locate a video of this presentation; however, it was broadcast on Minnesota Public Radio on July 16, 2010, and they make this broadcast available below.  

This MPR broadcast is approximately 56 minutes long; the presentation is approximately 46 minutes followed by about 10 minutes of Q&A, also there is a brief break for local news approximately 30 minutes into the presentation.  So, the mainline presentation is approximately 40 minutes in iength.  I know this is still pretty long, but listen to it anyway.

Listen to it on your lunch hour, while you're catching up on your email, or while you're tending to that tedious but unavoidable administrivia that comes with every job.  if you are a leader of an organization, such as a work team or a family, you will find it worth your while.