TED talks are my favorite way to unwind when I really just want to watch TV or waste time on the internet, but also want to feel like I’m learning somthing. Nothing is more energizing than a good TED talk, and I’ve compiled this list of TED Talks that Will Make You a Better Human. Of course, they only work if you actually implement some of the things they’re saying. Post a comment with one thing you plan to implement from any of the talks. Happy watching!
John Hunter: Teaching with the World Peace Game
This is my favorite TEDtalk of all time. John Hunter is the kind of teacher we all wish we had. By developing a complex, week-long game that appeals to children and adults alike, he manages to help other gain understanding into the complex issues that face our world today. His talk features profound insights from the children he teaches showing the innate compassion that we are all born with.
Stefan Sagmeister: The power of time off
Sagmeister is a world-renowned graphic designer who has committed to taking a sabbatical every seven years. Though he specifically focuses on how taking time off has made him a better designer, this talk is a must for anyone who needs inspiration. Everyone needs a break from what they do to remember why they started in the first place.
Hannah Brencher: Love Letters to Strangers
Love Letters to Strangers is a prime example of the difference simple acts of kindness can make in the lives of others. This is the shortest TEDtalk on the list, but it is no less profound. She talks about how she found true purpose in her life after she set out to write hundreds of love letters to people she has never met. She changed her own life and the life of others in ways that no one would ever expect. You can get involved with her mission here.
Celeste Headlee: 10 ways to have a better conversation
Headlee is essentially a professional conversationalist, working as a top interviewer for NPR. Her talk will make you realize that real, empathetic, intimate conversation takes actual skill and effort that many are willing to give. Implementing even one of the ten pieces of advice from her talk will make you a better partner, friend, and coworker. She pushes for flipping the old adage of “how to talk so people will listen” on its head and teaches us “how to listen so people will talk”.
Daniel Goleman: Why aren’t we more compassionate?
Goleman’s talk on compassion confronts the empathy decline that has occurred as a result of business. This talk takes the viewer on an emotional roller coaster, tackling topics from neuroscience to serial killers to dating to the clothing industry. Though this talk is at some points dark and gritty, it finishes with on a note of optimism, telling a story of how one person can trigger a wave of empathy in others.
Peter Singer: The why and how of effective altruism
Peter Singer is a philosopher with a unique take on how anyone can be an effective altruist. He goes beyond the simple call to action for everyone to help out in their community and looks at the actual numbers behind effective aid. He points out that some people can do more good by using their proclivity for economics to make money in finance and donate large sums to effective charities. Others are better suited to spending more of their time volunteering their skills at home or abroad. Overall, this talk can inspire anyone to make a difference, no matter where they’re coming from. A couple of sites related to effective altruism that Singer mentions are 80,000 hours, which helps people to find altruistic careers and GiveWell, which researches the most effective charities and publishes the results on their site.
Great
Pinning this post to my life coaching board so I can start watching them. Thank you for this!