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Just Twenty Minutes to Cutting Edge Thinking and Inspiring Ideas.... 

[TED logo]

TED is a nonprofit organisation devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading.

It started out (in 1984) as a conference bringing together people from three worlds: Technology, Entertainment, Design. Since then its scope has become ever broader.

In TED's words: "We believe passionately in the power of ideas to change attitudes, lives and ultimately, the world. So we're building [an online] clearinghouse that offers free knowledge and inspiration from the world's most inspired thinkers, and also a community of curious souls to engage with ideas and each other."

Personally, I find these talks very inspiring, and they introduce me to cutting edge thinking on aspects of human life (and what we can learn from the fabulous complexity in nature). I'd like to share my own personal selection from TED's thought-provoking lectures (none are more than 20 mins or so), especially those that have touched or inspired me. Do please explore...

Try Something New for 30 days

Is there something you've always meant to do, wanted to do, but just ... haven't? Matt Cutts suggests: Try it for 30 days.

This short, lighthearted talk offers a simple way to think about setting and achieving goals. Matt describes how it builds confidence and self esteem, as well as helping him feel more engaged with his life.

The Happy Planet Index

Statistician Nic Marks asks why we measure a nation's success by its productivity -- instead of by the happiness and well-being of its people. He introduces the Happy Planet Index, which tracks national well-being against resource use (because a happy life doesn't have to cost the earth). Which countries rank highest in the HPI? You might be surprised.

Nic Marks gathers evidence about what makes us happy, and uses it to promote policy that puts the well-being of people and the planet first. He's the founder of the Centre for Well-Being at the UK

The Social Animal

Tapping into the findings of his latest book, NYTimes columnist David Brooks unpacks new insights into human nature from the cognitive sciences -- insights with massive implications for economics and politics as well as our own self-knowledge. In a talk full of humor, he shows how you can't hope to understand humans as separate individuals making choices based on their conscious awareness.

New York Times columnist David Brooks is the author of “Bobos in Paradise,” “On Paradise Drive” -- and his new narrative of neuroscience, "The Social Animal: The Hidden Sources of Love

Using Our Practical Wisdom

In an intimate talk, Barry Schwartz dives into the question "How do we do the right thing?" With help from collaborator Kenneth Sharpe, he shares stories that illustrate the difference between following the rules and truly choosing wisely.

Barry Schwartz studies the link between economics and psychology, offering startling insights into modern life. Lately, working with Ken Sharpe, he's studying wisdom.