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In case you missed it: Some highlights of day 4 of TEDGlobal 2013: Think Again

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Michael Sandel, Chris Anderson and Michael Porter at 2013 in Edinburgh, Scotland. June 12-15, 2013. Photo: James Duncan Davidson

Michael Sandel, Chris Anderson and Michael Porter at 2013 in Edinburgh, Scotland. June 12-15, 2013. Photo: James Duncan Davidson

It’s the last day of TEDGlobal 2013, which means goodbyes and premature reminiscing. Onward: In session 11, “Tech Impact,” we heard about the dangers and delights of our accelerated technological age. We’re doomed! No we’re not! Yes we are! And in session 12, “All Together Now,” we held mental hands and were reminded that, in spite of it all, we’re in this together. Below are some highlights from this brief but potent morning:

Michael v Michael: Michael Porter and Michael Sandel, two Michaels from Harvard, dressed nearly identically, debated to what extent market practices should pervade society. Porter reiterated that business has a lot to offer causes of social good, and Sandel agreed that markets have their place — but that they should stay there. “Good thing we both have tenure,” Porter joked as the two took good-natured pokes at each other. Read more about Porter’s talk or Sandel’s talk »

Charmian Gooch read word-for-word a passage from her script, holding the paper in front of her as she detailed exactly how Nigerian oil minister Dan Etete transferred money to himself from Shell and Eni. She had to read the passage verbatim, says Gooch, because Global Witness’ lawyers had combed through it, and she had to get it exactly right. Read more about Gooch’s talk on corruption »

An Xiao Mina said “cǎonímǎ” on stage, to the giggles of a few Chinese audience members. That’s because the phrase — which means “grass mud horse” — closely resembles “cào nǐ mā,” literally, “fuck your mother.” The grass mud horse is an online meme in China that is used as a symbol to protest against Chinese Internet censorship. Read more about Mina’s funny and informative talk on activist memes »