6 Inspiring TED Talks

I’m sure you know about TED talks. I love them. Even the tagline resonates with me: ideas worth spreading.

Ideas. I think ideas, peoples’ thoughts, is one of the best things in this world. I watch a TED talk when I’m in need of some inspiration, or when I’m feeling low and stuck inside myself. I want to get out of my head and grow, gain some perspective, maybe laugh a little (because seriously, these speakers are entertaining too) and ultimately realise what’s most important in life, what makes me tick and how I can be the best person I can be and appreciate others, too.

This post may not be specifically about travel, but in my mind, it sort of is. That’s because a lot of what I conclude from these talks is that travel is important to reach what they’re getting at in each speech. But what do you think? What do you get from these talks? If you’re feeling a bit shit, angry at the world, angry at someone, or lacking any focus or motivation, watch one of these, and it might just turn your day around.

1.
About: Giving, ultimately. Tony describes the six things that every human being needs, and how we go different ways – sometimes good, sometimes bad – to achieve them.

2.
About: Artist Amanda Palmer shows the good in people when you just have the kindness and drop the pride to simply ask. It makes things seem a lot less complicated.

3.
About: This is one of my favourites, as it’s been done in a very clever way. Growing up, I’ve always been frustrated by the idea and perception of beauty in women: “Why can’t I look like her? Why do boys not pay any attention to me? Why does she look so good on a magazine and I spen 50% of my morning trying not to look remotely like a hobo?” Insecurity is a dangerous thing, as is image, and I think this talk – from a model’s perspective – can teach us a thing or two on what image really means in these scenarios.

4.
About: Like Brené admits herself, vulnerability and shame aren’t exactly great topics people want to hear about. But she makes amazing points and challenges us to think about the very parts of us we don’t want to face. I think she’s brilliant.

5.
About: This guy. Someone who truly believes in creativity being an exceptionally important, vital part of education. It’s not dry, I promise you. He even mentions travel.

6.
About: Aaaaaand one actually on travel so I can still call myself a travel blogger! Pico Iyer is so poetic when it comes to speaking about some moving things about travel worth thinking about, and connecting them with yourself as a person.

Enjoy! If you have any TED talks you love, definitely let me know in the comments, or on Facebook.