Social theorist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi asks, “What makes a life worth living?” Noting that money cannot make us happy, he looks to those who find pleasure and lasting satisfaction in activities that bring about a state of “flow.” (Recorded February 2004 in Monterey, California. Duration: 18:55.) Watch Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s 2004 talk on TED.com, where you […]
In 1998, aircraft designer Paul MacCready shares his vision of an earth out of balance, and talks about the steps he’s taking in his own work to help solve it — by building amazing solar airplanes, superefficient gliders and an electric car. It’s a stirring vision of how all of us, no matter what our […]
2006 TED Prize winner Larry Brilliant just got a major push toward realizing his wish to build a global system for early disease and disaster detection. Google.org, Google’s philanthropic arm, where Brilliant serves as executive director, today announced that it would put $14 million toward the goal of preventing the next global pandemic. The hope […]
Humorist John Hodgman rambles through a new story about aliens, physics, time, space and the way all of these somehow contribute to a sweet, perfect memory of falling in love. (Recorded February 2008 in Monterey, California. Duration: 16:39.) Watch John Hodgman’s 2008 talk on TED.com, where you can download this TEDTalk, rate it, comment […]
Starting last week, we’ve been updating all 300+ TEDTalks with freshly encoded video. We anticipate it will take another week or so to refresh everything on the site. Our deepest thanks to the many people who’ve volunteered to help screen the new talks. RSS users: Please note that, although most of our RSS feeds are […]
TED and the TED Prize are proud to unveil the three remarkable winners of the 2009 TED Prize: deep-ocean explorer Sylvia Earle, astronomer Jill Tarter, and Maestro José Antonio Abreu. Each of them is a leader in his/her chosen field of work, with an unconventional viewpoint and a vision to transform the world. Their lives […]
In a timely talk, cultural critic Virginia Postrel muses on the powerful uses of glamour — which she defines as any calculated, carefully polished image designed to impress and persuade. (Recorded February 2004 in Monterey, California. Duration: 16:15.) Watch Virginia Postrel’s talk on TED.com, where you can download this TEDTalk, rate it, comment on […]
At the EG conference, MOMA design curator Paola Antonelli talks about her groundbreaking show, “Design and the Elastic Mind” — full of products, concepts and designs that reflect the elastic, multi-tasking, quickly shifting way we think now. Though the physical show has closed, the online home of the exhibit is quite lively and packed with […]
Physicist and surfer Garrett Lisi presents a controversial new model of the universe that — just maybe — answers all the big questions. If nothing else, it’s the most beautiful 8-dimensional model of elementary particles and forces you’ve ever seen. (Recorded February 2008 in Monterey, California. Duration: 21:26.) Watch Garrett Lisi’s 2008 talk on […]
UPDATED: Starting this morning and going for two weeks, we’re updating all 300+ TEDTalks with freshly encoded video. What this means: + it’s the end of the over-loud intro music + our HD downloads will play in AppleTV HD + some downloadable files will be smaller + a few other glitches will be cleaned up […]
Human beatbox James “AudioPoet” Burchfield performs an intricate three-minute breakdown — sexy, propulsive hip-hop rhythms and turntable textures — all using only his voice. (Recorded February 2003 in Monterey, California. Duration: 04:43.) Watch James “AudioPoet” Burchfield’s 2003 performances on TED.com, where you can download this TEDTalk, rate it, comment on it and find other […]
In February, Jay Walker lent TED a wall of priceless and geeky artifacts to serve as the stage set for TED2008. In the TEDTalks from this conference, behind the speakers (and inspiring them), you can see Walker’s Sputnik and his Enigma machine, his Star Wars stormtrooper helmet and his Gutenberg bible, and rows of manuscripts […]
Just returned from a visit to the amazing TED@Palm Springs venue, where I’ll be playing host along with the famous Rives as my co-host and wingman. It is being held at the iconic Riviera resort, playground to the stars — including Marilyn Monroe, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and Elvis, the King himself. Many of them […]
Outside.in’s Steven Johnson says the Web is like a city: built by many people, completely controlled by no one, intricately interconnected and yet functioning as many independent parts. While disaster strikes in one place, elsewhere, life goes on. (Recorded February 2003 in Monterey, California. Duration: 16:36.) Watch Steven Johnson’s 2003 talk on TED.com, where you […]
Looking at vast political trends through the lens of a single story, historian Doris Kearns Goodwin talks about what we can learn from American presidents, including Abraham Lincoln and Lyndon Johnson. Listen for stories of decision, doubt and resolve, from people of great power and great character. To sum up, she shares a moving memory […]
Game designer David Perry says tomorrow’s videogames will be more than mere fun to the next generation of gamers. They’ll be lush, complex, emotional experiences — more involving and meaningful to some than real life. (Recorded February 2006 in Monterey, California. Duration: 21:06.) Watch David Perry’s 2006 talk on TED.com, where you can download […]