TEDRecommends Recap (July)
Hey TEDxErs!
We’re almost into August, meaning that the summer is two-thirds of the way done. And the end of another month signals another one of our favorite blog post topics: TEDx recommends, in which we bring to you some of our favorite TED talk recommendations to help you stay intellectually stimulated. So be sure to read more about some of the talks that we found interesting this past month!
“How Craving Attention Makes You Less Creative” - Joseph Gordon-Levitt
The American actor, filmmaker, singer, and entrepreneur Joseph Gordon-Levitt knows a thing or two about being the center of attention, specifically on how it can negatively affect your creativity when not addressed wisely. In this thought-provoking TED Talk, he tells us how more and more creativity is being used as a means to an end, that is attention. However, in reality we are actually happier, feel more fulfilled and can accomplish greater things when solely focusing on our creative process and not what people will think about our end result. We tend to think more about others' opinions rather than being a pure and vulnerable artist. He also talks about how technology and social media are tools for creatives, but can also generate feelings of envy, competition and attention-stress. He recommends to see others on these platforms as collaborators, people we can learn from and share with in a positive environment, rather than attention competitors. This talk is ideal for anyone who wants to stay true to themselves with the creative work they have to share!
“How to Use Love to Repair Social Inequality” - Chloe Valdary
During trying times, we need brave leaders who can show us the way on how to best go about social change. Chloe Valdary talks about her “Theory of Enchantment”, a social emotional (SEL) program that helps educator’s transform their students' lives and can help us address difficult topics such as social inequality everyday. The theory uses pop culture to connect with real life situations, by including songs by Kendrick Lamar and analyzing Disney movie Moana, she is able to find valuable lessons we can all learn from. She explains her three theories of Enchantment:
1. Treat people like human beings, not political extractions.
2. If you want to criticize, do it to uplift and empower, never to tear down, never to destroy.
3. Try to root everything that you do in love and compassion.
She explains that we stereotype and judge people too often, not taking into consideration how each human is a multifaceted, imperfect and complex being that is worthy of love. Cultivating love is the key to connection, healing and moving forward. Watch Chloe Valdary expound on her fascinating theory!
“Stop Being a Bystander in Your Own Life” - Tracy Edwards
Tracy Edwards is a trailblazer who became the first woman to win the Yachtsman of the Year Trophy. In this talk, she details listeners of her journey with sailing, from being expelled from school at age 15 to winning second overall in the Whitbread Round the World Race with her all-female crew. She discusses how her love and passion for navigating eventually led to her passion for equality, and fighting for both of these dreams. But don’t be fooled. This is far from a typical “you can do whatever you put your mind to” pep talk. Instead, Edwards discusses how life isn’t that straightforward with an A to B timeline, but rather is messy and convoluted. But this mess is part of what makes life great. It forces you to push yourself to get to wherever you’re going next and slowly find fit into yourself more over time. She further advises listeners to not be afraid to be the captain of their own life. Although it can be easy to sit back, and merely watch your life go by, Edwards encourages the audience to take control. She actively encourages listeners to not be a bystander in your own life and to start actively taking part in your life, rather than to just look at what you’re doing. This talk is definitely worthwhile for all those who are eager to live life to the fullest.
“The US is Addicted to Incarceration” - Robin Steinberg
Bail is a term that comes up frequently in conversations regarding criminal justice. But what exactly is it? Originally, it was created as a form of conditional release. Essentially, bail is a restriction imposed on the suspect to ensure that the suspect complies with the justice process, and returns to court for trial. And yet, this conditional release became something that further emphasized the inequality in our criminal justice system between the rich and everyone else. In this talk, Robin Steinberg, CEO of The Bail Project and a senior fellow at the UCLA Law Criminal Justice Program, discusses how bail only reinforces mass incarceration and how imprisoning people pretrial can drastically change the trajectory of their life negatively. During this time, people can be victimized, traumatized, lose jobs, homes and lives, all because they simply don’t have the adequate funds to pay bail. Alongside all this, the current bail system further drives racial disparities in the legal system. Steinberg discusses how she came up with the idea of The Bail Project, an unprecedented national revolving bail fund to fight mass incarceration. This talk is incredibly educational, and highly recommended for everyone, as the legal system is something that affects every single one of us in some way, shape, or form.
These are just some of the amazing talks that TED has on their official website. We invite you to explore their page and find your own personal favorites to recommend to your friends. There is always knowledge to learn and someone to share it with.
Until next time we connect,
-TEDxUTAustin