I think of Barry Schwartz seems as the anti-Ben Stein. They look somewhat similar, but Schwartz is smart and insightful while Stein is not. Here's Schwartz's fascinating presentation at TED2009 about his research into wisdom.
Barry Schwartz makes a passionate call for "practical wisdom" as an antidote to a society gone mad with bureaucracy. He argues powerfully that rules often fail us, incentives often backfire, and practical, everyday wisdom will help rebuild our world.