Knowing That Everyone Else Knows
In this HBR IdeaCast, Harvard psychologist Steven Pinker delves into 'common knowledge' – what we know everyone else knows – and its pervasive influence on society. From the psychology behind Super Bowl ads and crypto bubbles to the dynamics of...
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Knowing That Everyone Else Knows
In this HBR IdeaCast, Harvard psychologist Steven Pinker delves into 'common knowledge' – what we know everyone else knows – and its pervasive influence on society. From the psychology behind Super Bowl ads and crypto bubbles to the dynamics of negotiations and political movements, Pinker explains how this invisible force shapes collective behavior and decision-making. The discussion highlights how understanding common knowledge offers crucial insights for leaders, marketers, and anyone seeking to influence or navigate complex social interactions, revealing its impact across economic, social, and political spheres.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=X4UnZgBlRLg
Knowing That Everyone Else Knows
Ever wonder why Super Bowl ads are so effective or how crypto bubbles form? 🤔 Harvard Business Review's latest episode with Steven Pinker unpacks 'common knowledge' – what we know everyone else knows – and its surprising power. A must-watch for leaders! #CommonKnowledge #Leadership #HBR
https://youtube.com/watch?v=X4UnZgBlRLg
Knowing That Everyone Else Knows
Why do people hoard toilet paper during a crisis? Or why are Super Bowl ads so expensive? It's all about 'common knowledge' – what we know everyone else knows. Harvard Business Review unpacks this fascinating concept with Steven Pinker. Thread 👇 1. Common knowledge isn't just 'widely known.' It's knowing that *everyone else knows* something, and knowing that they know *you know*. This layered understanding drives collective action, from driving on the right to accepting paper currency. 2. Pinker uses the 'Emperor's New Clothes' to illustrate: the boy didn't reveal new info, but made *everyone aware that everyone else was aware* the Emperor was naked. This shift in common knowledge triggered action. 3. This concept explains market bubbles (Keynesian beauty contest), network effects (Apple's 1984 ad), and even political uprisings where collective action hinges on knowing others will act too. 4. Understanding common knowledge helps leaders, negotiators, and marketers. It even explains 'benign hypocrisy' like politeness, which preserves relationships by avoiding disruptive common knowledge. A truly insightful discussion from Harvard Business Review!
https://youtube.com/watch?v=X4UnZgBlRLg
Knowing That Everyone Else Knows
Hook: Ever felt stuck in a situation because you *thought* everyone else believed something, but they didn't? It's called pluralistic ignorance! Content: Harvard Business Review's Steven Pinker dives into 'common knowledge' – not just what's known, but what *everyone knows everyone else knows*. This invisible force drives everything from market bubbles to social norms. Think Super Bowl ads, the toilet paper shortage, or even dictatorships – it's all about collective belief and public signals! CTA: Unlock the power of common knowledge! Watch the full Harvard Business Review video now to transform how you lead and influence!
https://youtube.com/watch?v=X4UnZgBlRLg
Knowing That Everyone Else Knows
The latest HBR IdeaCast features Harvard psychologist Steven Pinker discussing his profound insights on 'common knowledge' – the understanding that what one knows, everyone else also knows. This concept is critical for strategic decision-making in business and economics, explaining phenomena such as speculative market bubbles (e.g., crypto), the effectiveness of high-stakes advertising like the Apple '1984' Super Bowl ad for products with network effects, and the dynamics of negotiation. Pinker highlights how leaders can leverage public signals to foster beneficial common knowledge within organizations or, conversely, how its absence can lead to pluralistic ignorance or societal fragmentation. This analytical framework offers a powerful lens for understanding collective behavior and influencing outcomes in competitive environments.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=X4UnZgBlRLg
Knowing That Everyone Else Knows
Ever been in a situation where everyone *knew* something, but no one said it until someone finally did? 🤯 That's common knowledge in action! Harvard Business Review sits down with Steven Pinker to unpack this fascinating concept: what we know everyone else knows. From the psychology of Super Bowl ads and how crypto bubbles form, to why we negotiate the way we do, it's all driven by this invisible force. Discover how understanding common knowledge can totally change your perspective on leadership, marketing, and even everyday interactions. You won't look at a polite 'please pass the salt' the same way again! 😉 Watch the full video to dive deep! #CommonKnowledge #StevenPinker #HBR #Psychology #LeadershipInsights #BusinessStrategy #MarketingTips #NegotiationSkills #HumanBehavior #MustWatch
https://youtube.com/watch?v=X4UnZgBlRLg
Knowing That Everyone Else Knows
Why do we do what we do? 🤔 It's all about 'common knowledge' - what everyone knows everyone else knows! 🤯 From market bubbles to toilet paper runs, this invisible force is everywhere! Watch Harvard Business Review's video with Steven Pinker to get your mind blown! #CommonKnowledge #Psychology #MindBlown #HBR #LearnOnTikTok #BusinessHacks
https://youtube.com/watch?v=X4UnZgBlRLg
Knowing That Everyone Else Knows
Common knowledge is necessary for coordination, for two or more people to be on the same page to make choices that might be arbitrary.
— Harvard Business Review
https://youtube.com/watch?v=X4UnZgBlRLg
Knowing That Everyone Else Knows
- Common knowledge is defined as what you know everyone else knows, and that they know you know it, ad infinitum, crucial for coordination.
- It explains phenomena like speculative market bubbles (Keynesian beauty contest) and the success of network-dependent products advertised during major public events like the Super Bowl.
- Pluralistic ignorance (e.g., the Abilene paradox) occurs when no one believes something, but everyone thinks everyone else does, leading to collective action based on misconception.
- Common knowledge is vital in negotiations, where 'focal points' like round numbers help parties coordinate on an agreement.
- Dictatorships fear common knowledge generators (public protests, uncensored media) because collective action against a regime relies on people knowing others will join them.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=X4UnZgBlRLg
Knowing That Everyone Else Knows
Harvard Business Review features Steven Pinker explaining 'common knowledge' – what everyone knows everyone else knows. This invisible force drives everything from market bubbles to social coordination and political power.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=X4UnZgBlRLg
Knowing That Everyone Else Knows
What connects crypto bubbles and toilet paper shortages?
https://youtube.com/watch?v=X4UnZgBlRLg
Knowing That Everyone Else Knows
Imagine everyone sees the Emperor is naked, but no one says anything. Then a little boy shouts, 'He's naked!' Suddenly, everyone knows that *everyone else knows* he's naked, and that changes everything. That special 'everyone knows everyone knows' feeling is common knowledge, and it helps us all agree on things, like driving on the same side of the road!
https://youtube.com/watch?v=X4UnZgBlRLg
Knowing That Everyone Else Knows
Did you know the infamous COVID-19 toilet paper shortage wasn't due to actual supply issues, but a self-fulfilling prophecy fueled by people's common knowledge that others would hoard, echoing a similar panic sparked by Johnny Carson in 1973?
https://youtube.com/watch?v=X4UnZgBlRLg
Knowing That Everyone Else Knows
Problem: People struggle to coordinate collective action, make informed market decisions, or understand social dynamics due to uncertainty about what others truly believe or know. Solution: Understanding 'common knowledge' – what everyone knows everyone else knows – provides a powerful lens to predict and influence collective behavior, facilitate coordination, and navigate complex social and economic interactions.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=X4UnZgBlRLg
Knowing That Everyone Else Knows
How has the rise of social media and fragmented news sources impacted the 'common knowledge' we share as a society? Can leaders intentionally create positive common knowledge within their teams to drive better outcomes?
https://youtube.com/watch?v=X4UnZgBlRLg
Knowing That Everyone Else Knows
Knowing That Everyone Else Knows with Steven Pinker In this HBR IdeaCast, Harvard psychologist Steven Pinker discusses his book "When Everyone Knows That Everyone Knows," exploring the concept of common knowledge—what we know everyone else knows. Discover how this hidden force influences everything from economic bubbles and marketing strategies to leadership dynamics and political movements, offering profound insights into human coordination and collective behavior. Topics Covered: 00:00 Introduction to Common Knowledge 00:01:21 The Emperor's New Clothes and Common Knowledge 00:02:50 Pluralistic Ignorance and the Abilene Paradox 00:04:07 Keynesian Beauty Contest and Speculative Bubbles 00:06:42 The Apple '1984' Super Bowl Ad and Network Effects 00:11:32 The COVID-19 Toilet Paper Shortage 00:14:40 Common Knowledge in Negotiation 00:17:40 Fragmentation of Media and Competing Common Knowledges 00:19:40 Creating Positive Common Knowledge in Organizations 00:20:47 The Fed's Influence and Authoritarian Control 00:24:00 The Blank Paper Protests 00:25:30 Benign Hypocrisy and Preserving Relationships Key Quotes: "Common knowledge is important, because it's necessary for coordination for two or more people to be on the same page to make choices that might be arbitrary, but it works for everyone as long as everyone makes the same choice." "Often, a buyer and seller will-- in order to find somewhere, anywhere to land on that the other guy will agree with, they'll pick something like a splitting the difference or a round number." Resources Mentioned:
https://youtube.com/watch?v=X4UnZgBlRLg
Knowing That Everyone Else Knows
00:00 Introduction: What is Common Knowledge? 00:01:21 The Emperor's New Clothes Analogy 00:02:50 Pluralistic Ignorance & The Abilene Paradox 00:04:07 Common Knowledge in Markets: Keynesian Beauty Contest 00:06:42 The '1984' Super Bowl Ad & Network Effects 00:11:32 The Toilet Paper Shortage & Bank Runs 00:14:40 Negotiation & Schelling Points 00:17:40 Common Knowledge in a Fragmented Media Landscape 00:19:40 Creating Positive Common Knowledge in Organizations 00:20:47 Leadership, Dictatorships & The Blank Paper Protest 00:25:30 The Role of Benign Hypocrisy
https://youtube.com/watch?v=X4UnZgBlRLg
Knowing That Everyone Else Knows
1. Recognize the power of 'common knowledge' in driving collective behavior, not just individual beliefs. This understanding can help predict market trends, social movements, and organizational dynamics. 2. When trying to launch a product or initiative that relies on network effects, focus on generating common knowledge through public signals (like a Super Bowl ad) rather than just informing individuals. 3. Be aware of pluralistic ignorance in groups or organizations; challenge assumptions by creating safe spaces for individuals to voice private beliefs, potentially revealing that no one truly holds the perceived 'common' belief. 4. In negotiations, leverage 'focal points' or 'Schelling points' (like round numbers or splitting the difference) as a common knowledge shortcut to facilitate agreement and avoid impasses. 5. Understand that 'benign hypocrisy' or politeness often serves to preserve relationships by preventing certain truths from becoming common knowledge, thus maintaining social harmony.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=X4UnZgBlRLg
Knowing That Everyone Else Knows
In my latest HBR IdeaCast episode, I delve into the fascinating concept of common knowledge – what we know everyone else knows. I explain its specialized meaning, distinct from mere conventional wisdom, and reveal how it's a hidden force driving coordination in everything from economic bubbles and Super Bowl ads to social norms and political systems. Discover how understanding this invisible psychological mechanism, as explored in my new book, can profoundly change how you lead, negotiate, and influence, offering a powerful lens through which to view human affairs.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=X4UnZgBlRLg
Knowing That Everyone Else Knows
Ever wondered why Super Bowl ads are so effective or how crypto bubbles form? I explain the hidden force of 'common knowledge' – what we all know everyone else knows – and how it shapes everything from markets to leadership in my latest HBR IdeaCast episode! #CommonKnowledge #Psychology
https://youtube.com/watch?v=X4UnZgBlRLg
Knowing That Everyone Else Knows
1. 🤯 What if I told you there's an invisible force shaping every decision you make, from what you buy to how you negotiate? It's called common knowledge, and I break it down in my new HBR IdeaCast episode! 2. I define common knowledge not just as what's widely known, but 'what we know everyone else knows' – an infinite loop of awareness vital for human coordination, whether it's driving on the right or valuing currency. 3. I explore how this concept explains phenomena like speculative bubbles (think crypto!) and the genius of Apple's iconic '1984' Super Bowl ad, which wasn't selling a product, but a shared belief in its future success. 4. I also reveal how common knowledge can lead to issues like the COVID toilet paper shortage or even enable authoritarian regimes, where collective inaction stems from a lack of shared public understanding. 5. Tune into the HBR IdeaCast to understand this powerful psychological lens and discover how embracing or avoiding common knowledge can transform your leadership, negotiations, and everyday relationships. #StevenPinker #BusinessPsychology
https://youtube.com/watch?v=X4UnZgBlRLg
Knowing That Everyone Else Knows
Did you know there's a secret psychological force behind everything from Super Bowl ads to toilet paper shortages? I'm Steven Pinker, and in my HBR IdeaCast episode, I explain 'common knowledge' – not just what's widely known, but what we know *everyone else knows*. This invisible force is crucial for coordination, driving markets, and even shaping leadership. Want to understand how this impacts your world? Watch my full HBR IdeaCast for more mind-blowing insights!
https://youtube.com/watch?v=X4UnZgBlRLg
Knowing That Everyone Else Knows
In my recent HBR IdeaCast, I discussed the profound impact of 'common knowledge' – the shared understanding that everyone knows what everyone else knows – on business and leadership. I highlighted how this psychological phenomenon underpins market dynamics like speculative bubbles, where investor behavior is driven by anticipating others' actions. I also analyzed strategic marketing, such as Apple's '1984' Super Bowl ad, as a powerful common knowledge generator, fostering network effects. Furthermore, I explored its role in negotiations, organizational culture, and even the stability of authoritarian regimes. Understanding common knowledge provides a critical analytical framework for leaders aiming to foster coordination, manage expectations, and influence collective action within their organizations and broader markets.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=X4UnZgBlRLg
Knowing That Everyone Else Knows
Ever wondered why some trends explode or why certain ads become iconic? 🤔 In my latest HBR IdeaCast, I dive deep into 'common knowledge' – it's not just knowing something, but knowing that *everyone else knows* it too! 🤯 This concept explains everything from crypto bubbles to the genius behind Apple's famous '1984' Super Bowl ad. I even touch on how it played a role in the toilet paper shortage during COVID! 🧻 It's a powerful, hidden force that shapes our world, our markets, and our relationships. Join me as I reveal how understanding it can level up your leadership and negotiation skills. Link in bio to watch the full episode! #CommonKnowledge #StevenPinker #Psychology #BusinessInsights #HBR #LeadershipSkills #MindBlown #MarketDynamics #SuperBowlAds #HBRIdeaCast
https://youtube.com/watch?v=X4UnZgBlRLg
Knowing That Everyone Else Knows
Mind blown 🤯! In my HBR IdeaCast, I reveal the secret force behind trends, markets & even toilet paper shortages! 🤫 It's 'common knowledge' - knowing that everyone else knows! 👀 So wild how it shapes everything! #CommonKnowledge #Psychology #HBR #MindBlown #DidYouKnow #StevenPinker
https://youtube.com/watch?v=X4UnZgBlRLg
Knowing That Everyone Else Knows
Common knowledge is necessary for coordination, for two or more people to be on the same page to make choices.
— Harvard Business Review
https://youtube.com/watch?v=X4UnZgBlRLg
Knowing That Everyone Else Knows
- Common knowledge is defined as 'what we know everyone else knows,' an infinite loop of shared awareness essential for coordination.
- It drives speculative bubbles in markets, where participants act based on expectations of what others will do, as seen with crypto and meme stocks.
- Major public events like the Super Bowl are powerful common knowledge generators, used by brands (e.g., Apple's '1984' ad) to establish network effects.
- Common knowledge explains phenomena like the COVID toilet paper shortage and even the stability of authoritarian regimes.
- In negotiations, 'Schelling points' (like round numbers) emerge as focal points because both parties expect the other to recognize them as special.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=X4UnZgBlRLg
Knowing That Everyone Else Knows
I explain common knowledge – what we all know everyone else knows – as a hidden force driving coordination in markets, leadership, and daily life, from Super Bowl ads to societal norms.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=X4UnZgBlRLg
Knowing That Everyone Else Knows
The invisible force shaping your every decision.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=X4UnZgBlRLg
Knowing That Everyone Else Knows
Imagine everyone secretly knows the emperor has no clothes, but no one says it. Then a little kid shouts, 'He's naked!' Suddenly, *everyone knows that everyone knows* he's naked. That 'everyone knows that everyone knows' feeling is what I call common knowledge! It helps us all agree on things, like driving on the same side of the road, even if it's arbitrary.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=X4UnZgBlRLg
Knowing That Everyone Else Knows
Did you know the famous COVID toilet paper shortage wasn't due to actual supply issues, but rather a 'bank run' effect driven by people's common knowledge that 'in an emergency, people hoard toilet paper,' which then caused the very shortage they feared?
https://youtube.com/watch?v=X4UnZgBlRLg
Knowing That Everyone Else Knows
Problem: How do individuals or groups coordinate effectively when choices are arbitrary but require collective agreement? Solution: Common knowledge, the shared understanding that 'everyone knows that everyone knows,' provides the necessary public signal for collective action and agreement.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=X4UnZgBlRLg
Knowing That Everyone Else Knows
How has 'common knowledge' influenced a major decision you've made recently? In what areas of your work or personal life do you see pluralistic ignorance (everyone privately disagrees but thinks others agree) at play?
https://youtube.com/watch?v=X4UnZgBlRLg
Knowing That Everyone Else Knows
Knowing That Everyone Else Knows In this HBR IdeaCast episode, I, Steven Pinker, discuss my new book 'When Everyone Knows That Everyone Knows,' explaining the profound impact of common knowledge on our lives. I delve into how this concept, distinct from mere conventional wisdom, shapes everything from economic bubbles and marketing strategies to social coordination and political power, offering a unique lens to understand human behavior. Topics Covered: 00:00 What is Common Knowledge? 01:21 Common Knowledge and Coordination 02:44 The Emperor's New Clothes 03:09 Pluralistic Ignorance / Abilene Paradox 04:07 Common Knowledge in Markets & Economics (Keynesian Beauty Contest) 05:12 Speculative Bubbles & Meme Stocks 06:49 The Apple "1984" Super Bowl Ad 11:32 The COVID Toilet Paper Shortage 14:38 Common Knowledge in Negotiation (Schelling Points) 17:34 Fragmentation of Common Knowledge in the Modern Era 19:49 Generating Positive Common Knowledge in Organizations 20:53 The Fed and Common Knowledge 21:48 Common Knowledge & Authoritarianism (The Blank Paper Joke) 25:40 Applying Common Knowledge to Life (Benign Hypocrisy) Key Quotes: "Common knowledge is necessary for coordination, for two or more people to be on the same page to make choices that might be arbitrary, but it works for everyone as long as everyone makes the same choice." "Often, a buyer and seller will-- in order to find somewhere, anywhere to land on that the other guy will agree with, they'll pick something like a splitting the difference or a round number." Resources Mentioned: store.hbr.org
https://youtube.com/watch?v=X4UnZgBlRLg
Knowing That Everyone Else Knows
00:00 Introduction to Common Knowledge 01:21 The Role of Common Knowledge in Coordination 02:44 The Emperor's New Clothes: A Common Knowledge Story 03:09 Understanding Pluralistic Ignorance 04:07 Common Knowledge in Economic Markets: The Keynesian Beauty Contest 06:49 How Apple's '1984' Ad Generated Common Knowledge 11:32 The COVID Toilet Paper Shortage Explained 14:38 Negotiation and Schelling Points 17:34 Common Knowledge in the Fragmented Modern Era 19:49 Cultivating Common Knowledge in Organizations 21:48 Common Knowledge and Authoritarian Regimes 25:40 The Practical Applications of Common Knowledge in Life
https://youtube.com/watch?v=X4UnZgBlRLg
Knowing That Everyone Else Knows
1. Recognize the power of 'common knowledge' in daily interactions: Understand that people's actions are often driven not just by what they know, but by what they believe *everyone else knows*. Use this lens to analyze social dynamics. 2. Leverage common knowledge in leadership: As a leader, intentionally create public signals or forums that generate common knowledge to align teams, foster culture, or launch new initiatives, mimicking the effectiveness of Super Bowl ads. 3. Be aware of pluralistic ignorance: Identify situations where collective pretense or misunderstanding (e.g., 'everyone thinks it's cool, but no one actually does') might be hindering honest communication or progress in your organization. 4. Apply common knowledge to negotiation: In negotiations, look for 'Schelling points' – naturally salient points like round numbers or clear compromises – that can serve as mutually recognized anchors for agreement. 5. Critically evaluate information signals: In a fragmented media landscape, be mindful of how different groups might be forming separate 'common beliefs.' Seek out diverse sources to understand broader public knowledge, rather than just within your echo chamber.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=X4UnZgBlRLg