Think about the habits that define your day-to-day life—how you manage your money, look after your health, or tackle your to-do list. You might assume they reflect your personality or upbringing. But what if they’re actually shaped by the language you speak?
In this episode of Choiceology ( with Katy Milkman ( , explore how subtle linguistic shifts can change the way you make decisions—and bridge the gap between who you are today and who you want to be tomorrow.
We travel to a unique cultural crossroads tucked high in the Alps of northern Italy. Marc Röggla ( , head of the European nonprofit Center for Autonomy Experience ( , shares the gripping history of South Tyrol—a region where political borders were redrawn overnight after World War I. He shares how his grandfather’s generation risked their safety in secret, candlelit “catacomb schools” to keep their German mother tongue alive under fascist oppression—setting the stage for a surprising study on how children in the exact same region process time and temptation today.
Then, Katy speaks with UCLA behavioral economist Keith Chen ( about his foundational research demonstrating how “future-less” languages (like German or Mandarin) can erase the mental distance between now and later. They discuss how these tiny quirks in grammar alter decisions around saving, smoking, and exercise—and how you can trick your brain into better choices, no matter what language you speak.
Choiceology ( is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the show, visit schwab.com/choiceology ( .
If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating or review on Apple Podcasts ( .
00:00 Two Students, One Concert: How Grammar Shapes Spending
3:15 South Tyrol: How Language Shaped the History of a Divided Region
16:30 The Effect of Language on Economic Behavior with Keith Chen
30:40 How to Trick Your Brain into Caring About “Future You”: Katy’s Reflections
Important Disclosures
This material is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. This should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice.
The comments, views, and opinions expressed in the presentation are those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of Charles Schwab.
Data contained herein from third party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness or reliability cannot be guaranteed.
All corporate names and market data shown above are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security.
Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Investing involves risk including loss of principal.
The book How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (CS&Co.). Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (CS&Co.) has not reviewed the books and makes no representations about their content.
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