Paradox of choice

What is it about decision-making that makes it so difficult? Why do we keep weighing options, yet remain unable to reach a conclusion? We reduce ourselves to the predicament of Buridan's ass, the famous medieval thought experiment in which a donkey, standing exactly midway between two identical bales of hay, is unable to choose because it sees no rational reason to prefer one over the other.

Humans, however, are spoilt for choice in most situations. American psychologist Barry Schwartz in his classic, 'the Paradox of Choice: Why More is Less', points out that more options result not in liberation but anxiety and post-decision regret. In effect, despite the sheer explosion of choices and access to greater information to weigh options, we are an unhappy lot.

Compelling arguments between two outcomes bog us. Jean-Paul Sartre called this the 'anguish of freedom', which makes us aware that when we take one decision, we are letting go of another equally attractive option. This gnaws at us.


What, then, is the solution? One has but to reflect on Krishn's advice to Arjun. Embrace your dharm, duty, with a focus on what aligns with moral responsibilities and greater good. Detach yourself from results, nishkaam karm, since one can control only one's actions but not the outcome.

Finally, cultivate a calm mind, samatvam - decisions should not be based purely on emotions. Having been given these mantras, Arjun was asked to reflect and make his own decision, which he did, and we are all aware of the outcome, in which victory was secured.