GroshLink

CMU-ers, take note. On p.79, Schwartz (in Paradox of Choice) proposed that Herb Simon's concept of satisficing was at the heart of how to fight back against the tyranny of overwhelming choices (pay attention maximizers and perfectionists). To state the concept simply,

To avoid the escalation of such burdens, we must learn to be selective in exercising our choices. We must decide, individually when choice really matters and focus our energies there, even if it means letting many other opportunities pass us by. The choice of when to be a chooser may be the most important choice we have to make (p.104).

Furthermore, the most important factor involved in happiness is

close social relations such as marriage, serious friendships, and religious communities which actually decrease freedom, choice, and autonomy. I affirm this truth, we has observed. As it is from my relationship with God, the People of God, and my family, that decisions are primarily shaped. The other day, my father and I discussed whether the state of Israel represented Judaism. For me it does not because, Jesus was part of a long line of prophets which critiqued and clarified the direction of the People of God, the Kingdom of God. But Jesus brought the final Word, following God is not about reviving the state of Israel. Even if this is politically advantageous for the Jewish people, it is not their religious goal.

Each day my choices with regard to family, ministry, and community are shaped by the teachings and reality of the Biblical story. Sometimes they are low order decisions such as choosing a t-shirt or what I'm having for breakfast which can be made with indifference or to turn off a visually inappropriate TV show, other times they take more care such as choosing to work on this post than spending this time with the children or a health care plan to best address of family needs, and other times they direct whole portions of life such as whether to move to South Central PA and continue w/InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. The larger the impact of the decision, the more prayer, reflection, and counsel it should be given.

Previous posts in this series include:

Paradox of Choice

Students as Customers