55. What Changes Will Stick When the Pandemic Is Gone?

In this episode of No Stupid Questions, Angela Duckworth and Stephen Dubner discuss the potential permanent changes in society and personal lives post-pandemic, focusing on remote work, the importance of social interactions, and the impact on personal preferences. They explore the shift towards remote-first organizations, the increase in workday length and meetings, and the altered appetite for social gatherings. They also delve into the concept of confirmation bias, its role in decision-making, and whether a "confirmation-bias vaccine" would be beneficial or detrimental to human nature, ultimately debating the value of cognitive quirks and the balance between optimal decisions and human connection.