Ideas change everything

Stop telling single people to get married

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Peter McGraw |

TEDxBoulder

• September 2024

Why do we assume single people aren’t happy? Behavioral economist (and lifelong bachelor) Peter McGraw advocates for a world in which single life is just as accepted as marriage, debunking the myth that getting hitched is the only path to fulfillment. From spinsters to cat ladies, he outlines the power in chosen family — and invites you to reconsider what it means to live a remarkable life.

Want to use TED Talks in your organization?

Want to use TED Talks in your organization?

Why do we assume single people aren’t happy? Behavioral economist (and lifelong bachelor) Peter McGraw advocates for a world in which single life is just as accepted as marriage, debunking the myth that getting hitched is the only path to fulfillment. From spinsters to cat ladies, he outlines the power in chosen family — and invites you to reconsider what it means to live a remarkable life.

Want to use TED Talks in your organization?

This talk was presented to a local audience at TEDxBoulder, an independent event. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Read more about TEDx.

Learn more about the Solo Movement and building a remarkable single life.

Join the Solo community and meet fellow proud singles.

About the speaker

Behavioral economist

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About TEDx

TEDx was created in the spirit of TED's mission, "ideas worth spreading." It supports independent organizers who want to create a TED-like event in their own community.

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This talk was presented to a local audience at TEDxBoulder, an independent event. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Read more about TEDx.

Learn more about the Solo Movement and building a remarkable single life.

Join the Solo community and meet fellow proud singles.