Historian George Dyson tells stories from the birth of the digital computer — from its 16th-century origins to the hilarious notebooks of the first computer engineers. Dyson, a dedicated archivist and crate-digger, has found some stories that haven’t been told for 50 years. For instance: in the files of Nils Aall Barricelli, the genius who […]
After speaking at TED2007 on elegance in physics, the amazing Murray Gell-Mann gives a quick overview of another passionate interest of his: finding the common ancestry of our modern languages. (Recorded March 2007 in Monterey, California. Duration: 2:15.) Watch Murray Gell-Mann’s short talk on TED.com, where you can download it, rate it, comment on […]
Anthropologist Wade Davis muses on the worldwide web of belief and ritual that makes us human. He shares breathtaking photos and stories of the Elder Brothers, a group of Sierra Nevada Indians whose spiritual practice holds the world in balance. (Recorded February 2008 in Monterey, California. Duration: 19:12.) Watch Wade Davis’s talk on TED.com, […]
Registration is open for Reduced-Price Memberships and Fellowships to TED2009 in Long Beach. Apply now >> + Reduced-Price Memberships are offered to people in the nonprofit and education worlds, for the reduced membership fee of $2,000 (compared to the regular price of $6,000). + Fellowships are offered to a few applicants of exceptional talent and […]
Singer-songwriter Rokia Traoré performs “Kounandi,” a breathtaking song that blends Malian instruments with a modern, heartfelt vocal. Please note: This song is not available for download. (Recorded June 2007 in Arusha, Tanzania. Duration: 6:26.) Watch Rokia Traore’s talk on TED.com, where you can rate it, comment on it and find other talks and performances. […]
Nathan Myhrvold talks about a few of his latest fascinations — animal photography, archeology, BBQ and generally being an eccentric genius multimillionaire. Listen for wild stories from the (somewhat raunchy) edge of the animal world. (Recorded February 2008 in Monterey, California. Duration: 19:28.) Watch Nathan Myhrvold’s talk on TED.com, where you can download it, […]
Susan Blackmore studies memes: ideas that replicate themselves, passing from brain to brain like a physical virus. At TED2008, Blackmore makes a bold new argument: Humanity has spawned a new category of meme, the “teme,” which spreads itself via technology — and invents brand-new ways to keep itself alive. (Recorded February 2008 in Monterey, California. […]
Around the world right now, one billion people are trapped in poverty by a simple piece of bad luck: being born in a poor country. What makes countries chronically poor? How can we help raise living standards for the “bottom billion” who live there? Economist Paul Collier lays out a bold, compassionate plan for closing […]
If you’ve seen Wade Davis’s unforgettable 2004 TED Talk — where he evokes the magic of the world’s cultural diversity, and speaks so eloquently about the alarming rate with which cultures and languages are dying — then you might find this photo as heart-stopping as I did. It’s so surreal, I thought at first it […]
Dr. Seyi Oyesola takes a searing look at health care in underdeveloped countries. His photo tour of a Nigerian teaching hospital — all low-tech hacks and donated supplies — drives home the challenge of doing basic health care there. (Recorded February 2002 in Monterey, California. Duration: 15:44.) Watch Seyi Oyesola’s talk on TED.com, where […]
Sculptor and engineer Arthur Ganson talks about his kinetic art — which explores deep philosophical ideas and is gee-whiz fun (and surprisingly moving) to view. (Recorded February 2002 in Monterey, California. Duration: 15:44.) Watch Arthur Ganson’s talk on TED.com, where you can download it, rate it, comment on it and find other talks and […]
Designer Yves Behar digs up his creative roots and discusses some of the iconic objects he’s created (the Leaf lamp, the Jawbone headset). Then he turns to the witty, surprising, elegant things he’s working on now — including the “$100 laptop” (whose next-gen redesign was announced yesterday) and a groovy new water bottle. (Recorded February […]
Dave Eggers, winner of the 2008 TED Prize, wished to collect 1,000 stories of private citizens engaged in their area public schools. He called upon every adult to bring their time, skill, and energy to bear on the lives of students. In collaboration with teachers and schools around the world, people are making his wish […]
Legendary ocean explorer Robert Ballard (he found Titanic) takes us on a mindbending trip to hidden worlds underwater, where he and other researchers are finding unexpected life, resources, even new mountains. He makes a case for serious exploration and mapping — Google Ocean, anyone? (Recorded February 2008 in Monterey, California. Duration: 18:19.) Watch Robert […]
Since it began in 2005, the TED Prize has been making wishes that call on the power of the global TED community. Here’s a roundup of current TED Prize wishes that you can get involved in — in large or small ways, with money, ideas, time or skills: + In 2007, biologist E.O. Wilson wished […]
From Chris Anderson, Curator of TED, and Emeka Okafor, TEDAfrica director: Regretfully, we’re having to suspend plans for our TEDAfrica event scheduled for the end of September 2008 in Cape Town, South Africa. We sought to have this event launched under the control of a local team operating under a license. The goal was to […]