In this talk from the Taste3 Conference in 2008, Dan Barber describes his experience with Eduardo Sousa, a Spanish . . . → Read More: TED Talk – Dan Barber Discusses Foie Gras and Respecting the Nature of Things]]> Foie Gras is a topic that can inspire passion. Chefs and epicureans often put foie gras on the list of the highlights of life. Opponents see foie gras as the height of animal cruelty and human excess.

In this talk from the Taste3 Conference in 2008, Dan Barber describes his experience with Eduardo Sousa, a Spanish farmer who is rapidly becoming world famous for his foie gras. But this talk is not about farming or cooking. It’s about respecting and understanding nature.

Sousa’s mantra during Barber’s visit was: “I’m here to give the geese what they want.” And by taking this respectful and calm approach to raising and harvesting his geese, Sousa’s foie gras has won the Paris International Food Salon Coup de Coeur without gavage (the force-feeding of corn that rightfully makes animal activists so angry).

I could say Gandhi, Einstein or Nelson Mandela are moral heroes (and they are). But they are easy choices. Here’s one you may not have heard of: J.P. Hayes.

Hayes is a golfer who won a chance . . . → Read More: TEDTalk – Barry Schwartz Reminds Us To Have Moral Heroes]]> Barry Schwartz is awesome. He urges all of us to “celebrate moral exemplars.” Who is a moral hero that inspires you?

I could say Gandhi, Einstein or Nelson Mandela are moral heroes (and they are). But they are easy choices. Here’s one you may not have heard of: J.P. Hayes.

Hayes is a golfer who won a chance to join the PGA Tour in November 2008 and then disqualified himself because he realized he had played two shots on one hole with a ball that was not approved for competition.

He broke the rules and turned himself in because it was the right thing to do.

If you think he overreacted because no one would have cared and he should have kept his mouth shut, have a look at the damage on your last retirement account statement and ask yourself where we all would be as a country (heck, as a world) if the jokers in our financial system had that kind of inner clarity and integrity.