TED Conference Videos

Have you heard about the TED Conference? TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design. Some of the world’s most “fascinating thinkers and doers are challenged to give the talk of their lives (in 18 minutes).” Whether for inspiration, insight, or a laugh, you can view videos here .

Some of my favorites include:

Mike Rowe celebrates dirty jobs

http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/mike_rowe_celebrates_dirty_jobs.html

Mike Rowe, the host of “Dirty Jobs,” tells some compelling (and horrifying) real-life job stories. Listen for his insights and observations about the nature of hard work, and how it’s been unjustifiably degraded in society today.

Barry Schwartz on the Paradox of choice

http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/barry_schwartz_on_the_paradox_of_choice.html

Psychologist Barry Schwartz takes aim at a central tenet of western societies: freedom of choice. In Schwartz’s estimation, choice has made us not freer but more paralyzed, not happier but more dissatisfied.

Seth Godin on The Tribes We Lead

http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/seth_godin_on_the_tribes_we_lead.html

Seth Godin argues the Internet has ended mass marketing and revived a human social unit from the distant past: tribes. Founded on shared ideas and values, tribes give ordinary people the power to lead and make big change. He urges us to do so.

Seth Godin on Standing Out

http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/seth_godin_on_sliced_bread.html

In a world of too many options and too little time, our obvious choice is to just ignore the ordinary stuff. Marketing guru Seth Godin spells out why, when it comes to getting our attention, bad or bizarre ideas are more successful than boring ones.

Sophal Ear: Escaping the Khmer Rouge

http://www.ted.com/talks/sophal_ear_escaping_the_khmer_rouge.html

TED Fellow Sophal Ear shares the compelling story of his family’s escape from Cambodia under the rule of the Khmer Rouge. He recounts his mother’s cunning and determination to save her children.