I like hearing and watching TedTalks, because they help me learn from the experiences and interests of other people from all around the world. Even more importantly, they get me out of my confort zone because they expose me to disciplines and topics that go far beyond what I've studied as an Economics Major. It's interesting to see the overlap, the connection, and the crazy ideas that move the world... and discuss them later with those around me. I gave a Ted Talk myself (a TedX, actually. Independently organized, certified Ted Talk event) during high school, and it was a transformative experience. It taught me not only to research a topic I liked in depth, but to be able to express it and captivate an audience in the process. This all to say that I hold Ted Talks dearly in my mind and heart, and I wish to share with you the ones that have really shifted my perspective. I hope you can draw upon some of them for your own conversations.
Charity, one Hell of a Drug
Arsema Thomas reflects on the problem with charity: "The problem lies in charity, when it's coupled with no sense of accountability." She comes from a context of diplomatic parents, and had a history of visiting countries in moments of crisis and violence. She's witnessed the beauties of Africa, but also the rare perspective that people had about Africa when she came to the United States.
What did a dollar mean to her? "Aid is the wolf in sheep's clothing": it makes the countries in Africa reliant on development assistance, and prevents them from setting their own agendas. Is this a relapse of colonialism? She reminds us that Africa is a good investment, with potential for a growing workforce and economic strength. Compared to Asia, Africa didn't have role models, until recently. Beyond diamonds and commodity trading, Africa offers high returns for FDI and has many innovative ventures in development.
Funny- I came across this Ted Talk through Bridgerton! She acts as young Lady Danbury, and as I'm leaving my fear-of-changing-paths behind, hers is also a great example in those regards. She studied Biophysics in her undergrad and went on to get a MPH, worked in many interesting projects in Africa, and after her father's death decided to pursue acting. What a full circle.
How to make Learning as Addictive as Social Media
Duolingo is a transformative app. It's changed the way millions of people approach language learning around the world. Luis Von Ahn, a Guatemalan software developer, founded Duolingo and taps into our psychology to explain how Duolingo uses an incentive system to keep you learning and revisiting the app every day. It works– I now have a fourteen day streak (that I've been breaking perpetually on days in which I don't have cellular), but there's more than a million people with a 365 day streak. Luis is exploring a similar approach to math learning (like Khan Academy) for all ages and levels.
This TedTalk welcomed me to a world of limitless learning possibilities, where the everyone can learn a language, no matter how difficult it seems. In a matter of minutes you can begin to build a lifelong habit.
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