Which of the four steps (meeting basic needs, moving towards livelihood, training to earn money, integrating socially) do you think best instills hope?
Abed urges us to 'light the spark of self-belief in people'. How might you provide that spark for someone in your life?
When did you last spend an extended period of time away from your phone? What were the circumstances? How did that feel?
Why might so many of us be fearful of being bored?
Zomorodi shared that she felt the most creative while engaging in long, monotonous tasks. What are the moments or conditions when you feel most creative or generate your best ideas? Do they also take place during instances of “boredom”?
The most difficult task for the “Bored and Brilliant” participants was deleting “that” app; the time wasting, bad habit one. Which app would that be for you? Do you think you could do it? Try it for a while and report back at next month’s Circle!
Hawke notes that poetry can be overlooked until we’re looking for empathy and guidance. What forms of creativity (poems or otherwise) do you turn to in moments like this?
Hawke’s work as an actor showed him how much we all have in common. Have you bonded with an unlikely stranger over a shared creative connection? What was that experience like?
Creativity exists even in highly regimented spaces like the Army where Hawke’s step brother was a creative leader. What are other unexpected places that you’ve encountered passionate creativity?
When was the last time you played the fool? How did it make you feel? Has this talk inspired you to do it again soon? Additional resource: Elisabeth McClure's Talk
What things in your community do you wish could be revived with art and beauty? Brainstorm ways to make this a reality. Additional resource: Helen Marriage's Talk
Do you agree with Gates that beauty is a basic service? Explain why or why not.
Which community hubs in your locale are most popular or have a lot of cultural activity, and why do you think that is? If none come to mind, why do you think that is (or, what would your ideal one look like)?
What are your favorite buildings in your neighborhood or location? Try to describe them in vivid detail and share why they appeal to you.
Per Galef’s talk, do you consider yourself a scout, a soldier or is there another way you’d describe yourself?
Like scout and soldier, are there other creative metaphors you’d use to describe other interactions / mindsets?
Identify a time you doubled down on a viewpoint, even though you knew you were wrong. What were the factors that led you to doing so and does Galef’s talk help demystify that moment?
Where do you think this talk would be most useful in your own life or even in the wider world? Additional resource: Tara Haelle's Talk
What do you think spurs people to be cruel or altruistic?
How do you think your life and circumstances have influenced the way you treat others?
What do you know about your ancestors and how they lived — what do you feel has been lost or gained in terms of values?
If comfortable, share a story from youth or adulthood that affected you deeply. Would you say that moment positively or negatively altered you, and do you feel like you have (or have not) changed since then?
What origin myths have influenced your life? Share an example or two.
Drawing from Bhatt’s talk or your own observations, what are the dangers of holding on too tightly to origin myths?
Bhatt describes when a British nationalist turns on an American television network, owned by an Australian, broadcast to a South Korean television set, bought with a Spanish credit card and paid off monthly to a local bank headquartered in Hong Kong. If these connections were revealed to the hypothetical nationalist, do you think they would reconsider their ideas around who or what does and does not belong in their community? Why or why not?
Bhatt says: “If we don't need origin stories and fixed identities, we can challenge ourselves to think creatively about each other and our future.” How might things be different if the myths that prescribe where we do and don’t belong weren’t there? What does that world look like to you?
Santos’ research found that capuchin monkeys are susceptible to the same financial mistakes as humans. Do you find this to be reassuring or humbling? Additional resource: TED-Ed animation
Santos highlights loss aversion, which biases humans (and monkeys) to do anything to avoid loss, even if it risks and diminishes success. Have you found yourself in a similar situation? Knowing what you know now, do you think you would do anything differently?
What are some ways you have found to stop making the same errors over and over again?
Santos encourages us to recognize our limitations and to use the world of design to overcome them. What is one human limitation that you would like to see surmounted? What is one idea for a design that might solve it?
Dhar cites research that suggests listening to someone's voice during an argument helps to humanize them. The TED Audio Collective podcast Conversations with People Who Hate Me is in part based around this premise. Why do you think stepping away from the keyboard and literally hearing someone speak can be so impactful?
Dhar notes that in order to reach people, you have to find common ground. Think about a topic that you feel strongly about. Perhaps something in Technology, Entertainment or Design. Can you think of at least one thing that you and someone with the opposite view might agree on?
What's something you've changed your mind about, and why? Additional resource: Julia Dhar's 2021 Talk
Thinking back to the topic you chose for the common ground question. What would it take to change your mind on that subject?
Gahr Støre notes the importance of inviting NGOs and everyday people to join discussions because they represent a point of view not already at the table. With that in mind, who's missing from your decision making tables at work, in your school, at your home, or in your community?
Gahr Støre mentions developing a dialogue at a time when there is only low-key tension in order to establish a bond to deal with issues when tensions increase. Is there someone or some group with whom you could forge a dialogue right now, in spite of any tensions in the past that might be beneficial in the future?
What's one biological thing in your life that you would be curious to track? What are some ways you could measure it?
Williams urged her audience to not be afraid to ask doctors to show them the data. Where else might this mantra be useful? Additional resource: Abraham Verghese's Talk
Williams’ talk demonstrates how tracking your own data helps you advocate for your medical health. Are there times when you've used your own expertise in a topic to negotiate with an authority figure?
Many apps enable this kind of data collection, from counting steps, to measuring heart rate, to tracking ovulation. Have you used one? If so, how was your experience with it? Do you know if the company has access to your data? If it does, how does it make you feel?
How do you think the conversation around bodies has changed in the last 20 years?
How might society better support and normalize differently abled bodies?
What kind of prosthetics or modifications would you like to see as technology progresses? Get futuristic with it. Additional resource: Olivia Arthur's Talk
Which pair of legs Mullins showed were your favorite? Can you offer a new material or design that she could add to her collection? Be imaginative!
How much trans and Black history were you aware of before this talk? Additional resource: Karissa Sanbonmatsu's Talk
Did Stewart’s journey bring any realizations or new understandings about Black and/or trans lives today? Why or why not? Additional resource: Lee Mokobe's Talk
Which scene or piece of information from Stewart’s talk stands out to you the most? Why?
Is there anything about genetic modified humans that worries you? What might that be? If not, why not?
Would you support allowing genetically modified 'designer' babies in your country? Are there any medical exceptions that you would allow? Why or why not?
Since Knoepfler’s talk, the first genetically edited babies (twins) were born with genes the doctor hoped would make them immune to HIV. Investigations found that the doctor did it in secret, broke laws, misled the parents, and failed safety protocols. Whatsmore, the children’s genes might fail to provide HIV immunity and their altered genes can be passed on. Does this real-life example make you support Knoepfler’s suggestion to halt “designer” babies or give you reason to legalize the practice so it happens under careful scrutiny?
Do you trust humans to make good choices with this technology? Why or why not?
Has Rahman’s talk changed how you view teens today or the decisions you made in your own adolescence? Why or why not? Additional resource: Gever Tulley’s Talk
Despite being about teens, how could you adopt some of Rahman’s learnings into your own life and understanding of yourself? Or if you know a teen, how could this talk influence how you connect with them?
We were all teens once. Do you have an outrageous or reckless story that you’d like to share with the group?
How do you think the risks you made as a teen changed you, if at all?
Will you adopt Ferriss’s fear-setting practice? Why or why not?
Do you have a method for making hard choices or taking risks? If so, consider sharing with the group. If not, has Ferriss convinced you to develop one?
What is one fear that stops you from pursuing something you want to do? How do you bypass it? Or, conversely, as a group, brainstorm ways to figure out how.
Share a time you conquered a fear, took a risk or made a hard choice that paid off well. Additional resource: Tina Seelig's Talk
When was the last time you felt fearless? What was it about that context or circumstances that made it so? Additional resource: Yvonne Aki Sawyerr's Talk
If you've never felt fearless, or if it's a rare occurrence, why might that be? What might it take for that to happen (again)? How might your life be different if you and those in your community were more fearless more often?
Tsikhanouskaya says, “Our courage is born from unity.” How much unity do you feel in your community? If you need more unity to be courageous, how might you foster that unity?
What do you think it takes to sustain such fearlessness and courage in the face of opposition month after month, and even year after year?
Elmore revisits the idea of ‘the worst thing that could happen’. Think of a pressing or worrisome situation in your life. When you imagine the worst case, how likely is it to actually occur? If it did transpire, how could you cope with it?
What might you say to your younger self to convince them that a particular risk was worth taking? Communicate how you overcame your reluctance and the good (or the lesson) that came out of it.
What were some of the ways that Elmore propelled herself through tough situations? How can her tenacity be replicated in your own life?
How might you approach doctors appointments differently as a result of this talk?
How do you define your locale’s nature? Is nature everywhere, nowhere, or somewhere in between? Describe in detail or share images to illustrate what you mean.
Has this talk challenged you to see your surroundings differently? If so, how? If not, why not?
Where do kids in your area interact with nature? Brainstorm ways to engage children more with their surroundings. Additional resource: Nirupa Rao's Talk
What is your favorite piece of nature on Earth? What untended patch of nature can you embrace in order to better nurture nature?
Schilthuizen shares some unexpected ways that creatures have adapted to the urban jungle. Which evolutionary adaptation impressed you the most?
How has your region changed in your lifetime? What animal-friendly environments have come and gone? Additional resource: Prosanta Chakrabarty's Talk
Picture a plant or animal you’ve seen in your region. What adaptations might it have undergone to survive in your changing landscape? Or, what sorts of environmental changes will it need to evolve to adapt to in the near future?
As Schilthuizen mentions, many species go extinct because of the change to their environment. How might we make our urban spaces more habitable so that the species that do evolve and those that otherwise can’t are both able to survive?
What came to mind during this talk? Did your mind stay in the present, travel light years away, or reconsider what you see when you look up at the night sky?
What did this astrophysics history lesson teach you about cosmic life and Earth life? Additional resource: Dave Brain's Talk
Which historical figure’s atoms are you the most excited to know created the oxygen atoms you breathe and the very atoms that make you?
How does the metaphor between our atoms and the Chichimecan myth resonate with you? What would it look like to 'treasure and share every single one of our pieces'? How might that make us 'become more complete'?
Does this talk make you reconsider your online shopping habits? Why or why not? Additional resource: Andrew Dent's Talk
Were you aware of this practice before the talk? If not, how does it make you feel? If so, share how you learned about it.
What do you think needs to be done to stop this destructive habit? Consider options starting from the everyday shopper all the way to your favorite retailers.
Instead of returning an item, what are other ways to part with it more responsibly and sustainably? Brainstorm alternatives like repurposing, regifting, reselling — or something beyond. Think big (and small)!
Did Hill convince you to adopt his weekday vegetarian plan? Why or why not?
Meat is a big part of many cultures around the world. Brainstorm ways to adopt more vegetarian meals without sacrificing important parts of a culture overall.
Have you naturally been moving in this direction without realizing it? If so, what caused the change? If not, what would make you reconsider? Additional resource: Birke Baehr’s Talk
Swap some of your favorite vegan or vegetarian recipes — and/or discuss how you could make meat-based meals more plant-based.
In her research, Bouskill met people who said they would “rather burn out than rust out.” Before you watched this talk, to which category did you belong, if either? Why? Has your view changed as a result of this talk? If so, how?
As noted in the talk’s reading list, Bouskill wrote a piece asking, “What could the world look like in 25 years if the pace of social, environmental, technological, and biological change keeps accelerating?” What’s your answer? Is your vision of the future something you’re excited for? Why or why not?
Bouskill mentions side effects of the perpetual time crunch we so often seem to find ourselves in, including whiplash and hurry sickness. What are some of the consequences of our speedy society that you’ve encountered?
What are the occasions in your life or in your community when you wish things would happen faster? What are the times you wished happened more slowly? Are there commonalities within each category?
How do you personally decide that a news outlet is trustworthy? After everyone shares, consider if there are any other methods from the TED-ED lesson you could use.
What are the benefits of relying on the same outlets for your news? What are the dangers and/or limitations?
As a group, decide on one recent news item. Compare/contrast how this same event is covered across three different outlets and three different journalists. Are there differences or similarities in coverage that surprise you?
What has social media’s impact been on news dissemination and awareness?
What surprised you most about the process of making memories?
Which memory-affecting factors (e.g. age, mental/physical health, stress, depression, isolation) are you most susceptible to? What would help you combat these factors?
How do you currently exercise your brain? What “brain workouts'' might you be willing to try in order to help preserve your memories?
Erin Sullivan encourages us to “Be intentional - don't lose a beautiful, irreplaceable memory because you were too focused on getting the [photograph].” This video says “memories are encoded most strongly when we’re paying attention”. When does photography help/hinder your attention and thus memory making?
Basting explains that family members most commonly “evoke a shared past” to connect with each other. When do you rely on memories for connection? What could happen if you invited more shared discovery into your conversations?
How can “beautiful questions” -- questions that don’t have a right or wrong answer -- invite a partner with dementia to engage their imagination instead of their memory? What shared paths might this open for human connection?
Before this talk, how did you feel about reconnecting with those who have dementia? How do you feel after watching this talk?
What memory do you hope outlasts any dementia you or a loved one might experience?
Are there memories that you remember more positively than they really were? Why do you think that is the case?
How can bringing diverse perspectives to our history (e.g. psychology, anthropology, arts, media) provide a better representation of what happened during that time?
Do you feel your current identity is shaped by someone else’s history?
Ahmad-Noor explains “we carry the history in us, and history carries us along”. If we all take part in writing history, how can we ensure that we better define it to be true to collective experiences?
Was it surprising to find out that many foods are disappearing from our plates? Do you see this happening in your own home, city, or country?
Can you recall any local foods or dishes that you previously ate as a child which are no longer eaten? Why was it that people stopped eating this food/dish? And why do you think cultivated food (e.g. wheat, corn, etc.) is consumed more often than foraged foods (e.g. mushrooms, wild vegetables, etc.)?
Pallavi explores “shame” as a crucial point for the disappearance of traditional foods. Have you experienced this “shame” around eating a specific food? How have those experiences affected what you eat today?
Pallavi describes several ways in which we can better connect with our food. What is one way you can start today to better connect with your food?
Sharief shares the story of her family’s weekly meetings as an example of commonplace politics. Where in your life do everyday instances of politics — negotiation, compromise, alliance building and decision making — appear?
Can you think of a time when you felt unfairly excluded from decision-making? What was that instance? How did it make you feel? Brainstorm how you could improve the situation if this occurs in the future.
Has this talk altered the way you see politics, or your place in it? Why or why not?
Did your childhood include anything like the Family Democracy Meeting? What do you think it would have been like if it had been in place? Would you adopt it with your own family? Why or why not?
Do you have any knowledge passed down from previous generations? Share an example. (Examples can be as serious or silly as you like — for example, knowing when it’s about to rain or your grandmother’s cure for hiccups.)
How have your communities, households or otherwise married old and new knowledge to solve a problem?
When have you been corrected or shown a better way by old-school knowledge? If comfortable, share your story.
What knowledge would you like humanity to pass down to future generations?
Krznaric’s talk includes several examples of people planning well into the future. Can you think of other examples that fit this theme? (Some may be in your community.)
Is there a destructive legacy from the past that impacts you today that you wish had been prevented? Share it with the group. If there are actions being taken to right those wrongs, share those as well.
What’s one small habit you could change or practice you could adopt that could have a ripple effect for future generations?
Do you have what it takes to be a time rebel? In what ways can you take bigger steps to decolonize the future? (For more ideas, see Krznaric’s essay for six ways to think long-term).
Describe the feeling of an aha moment to you. Is there a pattern (a specific time, place, etc.) to when you usually have them?
How could you better create the conditions for aha moments in your own life?
Where in society do you think reshaping the environment would have the most beneficial results for creativity and innovation? Suggestions can be as serious (or silly) as you can muster.
What would be your ideal space (imagined, real, or in-between) for aha moments to flourish?
Abdelhamid builds momentum by starting with what she knows, Shotokan karate. What skill or talent (big or small) do you have? Would you be willing to teach it to others in your Circle?
Abdelhamid started with who she knew and shared her skills with others who expanded that reach. What are the strengths (and limitations) of building momentum with this train-the-trainer approach?
The third lesson was starting with joy. Abdelhamid felt joy from seeing women in her community support one another. What brings you joy? How has it inspired your journey?
Is there something you’ve been wanting to start? How might these lessons help you launch your idea?
Where have you been most surprised to find your best ideas?
Was there a time your perspective changed on the definition of a professional? (e.g. a cook in your family, delivery person, neighborhood handyman, etc.)
Roy’s curriculum includes democracy, citizenship, land measurement, and more. What lessons (from school and life) do you believe help us build momentum for ourselves and our communities?
How can you create versions of Roy’s Barefoot College in your own life?
Crowther shares that in his excitement to share his landmark research, he oversimplified his message and put the legacy of the work in jeopardy. Have you had costly moments of miscommunication, big or small? What were they? What lessons have you drawn from them?
The “Restor” platform adds artificial intelligence to lessons from those working in the field to develop strategies and identify insights to empower the restoration movement worldwide. What other epic pairings of human ingenuity and modern technology can you think of that have (or could) work to improve our lives?
Restoration, as Crowther explains, is not a silver bullet. It alone cannot solve our climate crisis. What are some of the ways that your community is addressing the problem at the individual, neighborhood, or governmental level?
Edmans says that “we accept a story uncritically if it confirms what we'd like to be true. And we reject any story that contradicts it. How often do we see this in the stories that we share and ignore?” Do you agree with this? Why or why not?
Can you recall any recent headlines or viral social media posts that do not pass Edmans’ 4-point test? Where do they fall short? Additional resource: Michael Patrick Lynch's Talk
It’s easy to accept persuasion in place of expertise. What are the dangers of this, and how can tips from Edman’s talk help prevent you from being falsely influenced in the future?
If we’re living in a “post-truth” world, what would a pro-truth world look like to you? What can we actively do ourselves (or actively give up doing) to advance it in our own lives?
Why do you think people deny the existence of horrible things?
What are your thoughts on the rise in mashing facts, opinions and lies?
Have you encountered deniers in your own life? Whether historical or contemporary events, discuss the patterns you’ve noticed (and solutions, if possible).
Does Lipstadt inspire you to uphold the truth in the face of denial? Explain. Additional resource: Alexander Wagner's Talk
What surprised you most about Shaw’s talk, and why?
Shaw lists five ways that organizations can better support victims of and witnesses to harrassment and discrimination. Does your workplace have these tools in place? If not, what are they lacking? Can you foresee a way to introduce them? Additional resource: Stephanie Busari's Talk
Do you think this video has increased your likelihood of reporting incidents of harassment and discrimination that you have witnessed? Why or why not?
What questions did this talk spark for you, if at all, and where might you find those answers?
What type of appeal — emotional, fact-based, story-centered, ethical, etc. — works best to convince you to do something?
Before this talk, how did you feel about engaging in conversations about climate change — did you fit into one of the five inner defenses? How do you feel after watching this talk?
Discuss ways to incorporate Stoknes’ strategies into conversations with those in your life who may feel apocalypse fatigue. Propose hypothetical (or real) situations and Stoknes-inspired opportunities to counter them.
Are there organizations and climate activists you love or admire who are already using Stoknes’ techniques? If yes, share them and what they do. If no, brainstorm ways (such as a social media campaign or a reach out email) to encourage these individuals / groups to incorporate a different angle inspired by Stoknes.
Rivett-Carnac describes how sometimes, when we are faced with an enormous challenge that we don't feel we have any control over, we begin to think it’s not an important issue, that maybe it’s not happening how people describe it or that it’s too big a problem so it’s not worth trying. Have you ever found yourself in one of these situations? Will you now approach those situations differently? Why or why not?
In discussing the climate crisis, Rivett-Carnac says, “we can no longer afford the luxury of feeling powerless.” Why is powerlessness a luxury in this instance?
Has there been a moment in your life, be it solo or collaborative, at work or at school, or at home or in your community, when stubborn optimism and determined action led to a much-needed change? If so, share with the group. Are there any commonalities among your approaches?
Once we have rallied behind a cause (with stubborn optimism), what kinds of actions are necessary to see it through? It may be helpful to think of a cause or issue as a group (be it tackling climate change or coordinating a themed TEDx event) and think through a process.
In Holder’s community, the climate crisis is visible through significant health effects (as noted in the “Heatwave” mnemonic) and gentrification. Is the climate crisis visible in your community or your own life yet? If so, how is it showing up?
Holder outlines several steps that nurses, doctors, and pharmacists can take to lead a medical response to climate change. What are some actions that your own industry or peer group can do (or are doing) to meet this current challenge? Additional resource: Angela Francis' Talk
“Our lives are not only vulnerable but are stories of resilience, innovation and survival” says Holder. In a few decades, what is the story that you think will be told about the climate crisis? Will it be one of resilience, innovation, survival or defeat?
Holders recounts the collective effort to turn the tide on the HIV epidemic, while Rivett-Carnac draws inspiration from Great Britain’s resolve during WWII. What other historic precedents would you compare to our present moment, or use to persuade others that this is a struggle in which we can ultimately be victorious? And how do the themes of Rivett-Carnac’s talk reemerge in Holder’s impassioned presentation?
How will you feel about water moving forward after watching Leonard’s talk?
How do you feel about companies having the same rights as people — did it surprise you, anger you, etc.? Do you agree that water should have those same protections?
Does this idea exist or has it been acted upon where you are? If not, is there a way to contact your representatives or rally organizations to consider it? Use Leonard’s action items at the end to help you brainstorm.
Beyond bodies of water, what other parts of nature do you believe should have the same legal rights as people? Why?
What is your favorite thing to imagine that may exist in space (e.g. true Earth-like planets, aliens, space squids, or something else)?
Are there any photographs, books, television shows, movies, myths or news stories that have captured your curiosity in a way that have made you want to learn about space?
What is something that initially scared you but fascinated you once you learned more about it?
What do you think we’ll learn or discover in the next 100 years?
Why do you think those who sent Cekic hate mail agreed to meet her for coffee?
In her appearance on TED Radio Hour, Cekic says she participates in #dialoguecoffee because she “really, really loves democracy.” She adds, “Conversation is difficult, but it is the most necessary thing in a democracy.” Do you agree or disagree with this latter statement? Why or why not?
How can you engage in a healthy dialogue with groups you demonize? Weigh the pros and cons of each approach.
In spaces where you think you have no power or influence, why do you feel powerless? What are some ways, big or small, that can enact your potential and change that perception?
How often are you in the learning zone versus the performance zone?
Share a time from your life that demonstrates the learning zone/performance zone principle. What did you have to learn and practice and how did you demonstrate your mastery of it?
What’s one skill or practice you would like to improve in your life right now? How can you ensure that you will spend more time in the learning zone for that topic?
Would you want to see your workplace or school offering space to experiment and take risks? If yes, what might this look like for your specific context? If not, why not?
Has this talk altered your view on whistleblowing? If so, how? If not, why not?
Richmond Pope notes that, in her experience, whistleblowers are hopeful, committed, humble and brave, yet are often described as anything but. What powers and dynamics are at play that lead to the vilification of these truth tellers?
As Richmond Pope asked, “When given the opportunity, would you actually speak up?” Take a moment to consider the hypothetical scenario and circumstances as you explain your answer.
Have you had a first hand experience involving the act of whistleblowing? Share with the group.
Ming Francis observes we have the wrong diagnosis (bad apples) and the wrong cure (education) for racism. Why is it that education alone is not enough?
Aside from validating Ming Francis’ experience, what else could the bystander airport worker (who noted the agent’s history of racist behavior) have done in this instance?
Ming Francis encourages us to “confront the ways that our actions and our institutions lead to a differential treatment of Blacks, even if done unintentionally.” On an individual and country-wide scale, how can you confront inequitable treatment of any group of people? Additional resource: Dolly Chugh | How to let go of being a good person and become a better person
What actions are you willing to take to fight racism at the institutional level (e.g. racial profiling, discriminatory hiring policies ) or interpersonal level (e.g. locking doors when Black people approach, internalizing biases that engender complacency)?
Why do some events inspire longstanding action and change while other big moments seem to fade without the same impact?
Can you name any economic, social or other crises that have occurred in your country? What was the response? Give us your perspective on the outcome.
Which crises in your country or community do you wish held onto their initial momentum? How do you think the present would be different had they continued to galvanize change? How could you bring those thoughts and actions into the future?
How have shocking events in your personal life helped you to evolve?
In your life — in big and small ways — have you noticed the “crisis of conformity” Tómasdóttir mentioned at the beginning of the interview? If so, how?
Are you seeing evidence of the “new leadership” Tómasdóttir speaks of — courageous, humble, moral and socially aware — in your own country and communities creating effective, long-term impact? If so, share an example. If not, why do you think it’s missing?
What do you think will transform after the global crises we’re experiencing now?
How could you incorporate Tómasdóttir’s perspectives and outlook into your own life and community?
If good physical spaces have structure and rules, what structures and rules from the real world would you most want to see brought to social media?
Which online spaces have you seen that work well for promoting the greater good? Which ones are falling short? In your opinion, what makes the difference?
Pariser believes that the social cues and soft negative feedback that help townhall meetings go well could be cultivated with more expressive emoji reactions on social media. What emojis would you like to see elevated to this status?
Pariser notes that many online spaces put too little focus on their programs and moderators, leaving the questions of “what are people doing here?” and “who’s taking responsibility for it?” unanswered. Would you like to see more structured programs and moderation, or less? Explain your answer.
From your perspective, who creates the most value and why? Does the talk make you reconsider how you contribute in creating value?
Has Mazzucato helped redefine what “value” means to you? Why or why not? How would you define it now?
Which industries in your community / country (or beyond) could benefit most from this perspective shift? Why and in what ways?
Has your definition of “value” changed since COVID-19? Do you foresee a long-lasting societal shift reflecting a change in which sectors we deem most productive, most valuable?
Ulukaya calls for companies to put employees over shareholders, consumers over boards, and community engagement over tax breaks. Do you know of any other companies, in your community or beyond, with a similar approach?
Ulukaya says “it's business, not government, [that’s] in the best position to make a change in today's world...it's business that must take a side.” Do you agree? Why or why not? If so, what responsibility do you want companies to take for humanity?
The talk reminds us how powerful we are as consumers to change the behaviors of big corporations. Think of a company that impacts your community. What actions would you most like to see them change? How might you encourage them to do things differently?
Even if you’re not the CEO of a company, what lessons from Ulukaya’s talk can you apply to put people first?
Have you had moments when your inner world and emotions affected your outer-world and other people? What do you do to mitigate those feelings if/when they arise?
When you’re able to talk about — rather than suppress — difficult emotions, and experience “individualized consideration,” how do you feel afterward?
Are there ever instances where you feel like ignoring your emotions is a good idea? Why or why not?
In what ways could you incorporate David’s advice into your own life to help yourself and others?
Have you ever used any of the three strategies that Hone shares? Did you come upon it yourself or learn from someone else? If not, which do you think you’re most likely to use?
In discussing strategy two (choosing carefully where to focus your attention), Hone touches on the importance of focusing on the good, not just the stressful. Take a moment to practice it now: what are three good things that have happened to you today?
Hone reports that strategy three — asking yourself “Is what I’m doing helping or harming me?” — has prompted more positive feedback from her readers than any other. In what areas of your life do you think this approach could be useful?
Outside of those highlighted in this talk, what strategies have helped you navigate tough times? Additional resource: TED-Ed Lesson
Have you ever experienced a natural disaster (e.g. an earthquake, forest fire, cyclone, flood, etc.)? If so, what helped you get through it? Was it friends and neighbors, an aid program, or both?
Kyte tells us that “strong social bonds are one of the strongest determinants of resilience within a community.” How strong are your community’s social bonds? What have you done to maintain your social bonds in recent months? Where can you try to improve?
As a group, think of one good example of a natural disaster response from the public sector and one from the private. Now think of a poor response from each category. What made the positive responses so much stronger than the underperforming ones?
What disaster risk policies or actions would you most like to see enacted in your community?
Has this talk changed your perspective on how businesses function? Does it make more or less sense to compare businesses to biological organisms?
Are there businesses, family-owned or otherwise, that have survived for a long time in your country? Do you think they’ve used any of Reeve’s principles? Additional resource: Navi Radjou’s Talk
Of the six principles, which do feel are most urgent in our current times?
Though Reeve’s idea is presented for business, do you feel like you could adapt some of these principles to your own life, family, or community? How?
Fetell Lee argues that those in the West are obsessed with the pursuit of happiness, yet in the process, overlook joy. Do you agree with this? Why or why not?
The speaker’s investigation led her to discover the aesthetics of joy: common patterns like round things, pops of bright colors, objects in abundance, and a sense of lightness. Where did you last encounter a “little moment of joy”?
Our built environments often lack the aesthetics of joy. Can you think of two places in your community that would benefit from an overhaul? Using some of the techniques highlighted in the talk, or ideas you may have of your own, what would you do to improve them?
“Joy is about feeling good in the moment, right now.” What’s one thing you can do right now (or a little later today) that will bring you joy?
After listening to the talk, do you believe there’s a difference between happiness and having meaning? If comfortable, share a short anecdote from your own life that supports your position.
Of the four pillars that Esfahani Smith offers (belonging, purpose, transcendence and storytelling), which do you think you’re doing well with and which do you feel you could focus on more?
In what ways — small and large — have you, or someone in your life, tried to lead with love? Are there any short stories you’d like to share?
Does this talk help change What did this talk do to help change how you see and interact with yourself and others? If so, how?
Was there anything from the study and its learnings that surprised you?
Beyond the three big lessons, what have you learned in your own life about relationships that is (or is not) covered in the talk?
Are there other cultures, or your own, that already implement the lessons shared in this talk? If yes, what are they and do you think they can be modified for long-distance, close-quarters, or vice-versa?
What other ideas — besides those Waldinger listed toward the end of his talk (like doing something new with a friend / partner or reaching out to family you’ve lost touch with) — do you suggest to create long, fulfilling relationships?
McGonigal asks the audience to classify their stress in the past year as being a little, a moderate amount or a lot. Which of these matches your own stress level in the last year? This last month? Has this talk changed your perception of this rating? Why or why not?
According to McGonigal, the stress hormone oxytocin can “motivate you to seek support”. Can you recall a time when stress increased positive social interactions? What made those relationships beneficial? (Additional resource: Heidi Grant’s Talk)
Using these learnings, what are things you can do differently when you feel stressed?
The speaker says she spent over a decade “demonizing” stress as the enemy until new research gave her a “whole new appreciation for stress.” When was the last time your viewpoint on an issue flipped for the better? What led you to change your outlook?
What skills are you currently practicing? Which are your favorite parts and which do you not enjoy as much? What are some ways you could make the not-so-fun parts more fun (or easier to endure)?
Think about people in your life or your favorite athlete, musician, fictional character, etc. How much do you think they practice to hone their skills? What do you think is the most important part of their practice and why?
If you could be anything, what would you want to be? (Dream big or small, real or purely imaginary — unicorns, wizards, inanimate objects, etc. permitted.) What would your day look like? What skills would you need? How would you practice those skills?
Think about your responsibilities now. What prepared you to handle those responsibilities? Now imagine your dream job. What kind of skills or improvements could you work toward in order to be ready for that job? If inspired, write a list of actions to get closer to that goal.
And a joke... Question: How do you get to your nearest music hall? Answer: Practice, practice, practice!
How did this talk redefine your perceptions of economic growth, if at all?
Where do you think your own country is in the five stages of growth?
Which industries in your country do you feel need the most change to fit within the doughnut?
What examples or models have you seen in your community that place greater emphasis on social and ecological responsibility? If there isn’t a greater emphasis, what would you like to see? (Additional resource: get involved today in TED’s new initiative, Countdown)
Do you feel stronger about nationalism or globalism — considering the political climate in your country and abroad — after listening to Kabbaj’s talk? Explain. What would you propose as the third option?
How have nationalist — or globalist — perspectives affected the way your country is run, if at all?
Think about your country's foods, traditions, arts, and sports. How many originated from or were inspired by other cultures? If unsure, speculate about cultures that share apparent similarities.
Would you consider yourself a citizen of the world? Why or why not?
Monbiot challenges past economic models, advocates for participatory democracy, and calls for networks that welcome members from differing communities. Which of these would you add and/or remove from your version of a new world order?
How could a new restoration story nurture the more generous sides of human nature (e.g. altruism, cooperation, empathy) and help move our societies forward?
Following the framework Monbiot repeats throughout his talk, develop your own economic restoration story, either individually or collectively. What are the nefarious forces? Who stars in the hero role? How do they win the fight and restore harmony to the land?
Aside from economics, what’s another story you would like to see replaced?
What did you learn about the COVID-19 virus that surprises you? What can we learn from its similarities and differences with past pandemics (e.g. smallpox, flu, HIV/AIDS) that can help us now?
What can you do to minimize the spread of germs? How can you remind yourself to do those things?
In terms of preparedness, what do you think your country is doing well, and which of your country’s systems would you like to see improved for this and future pandemics?
How could countries work together in order to create a global healthcare system?
How is the spread of the “just right” rhinovirus similar to COVID-19? Why do you think its “mode of transportation” is so different from germs transmitted by insects, water or food?
As shared in this video, what are the benefits of staying home when you are sick? What other benefits come to mind?
This lesson lists “disease control methods” like mosquito proofing houses, clean water systems and staying home when we get sick. What else can people or governments do to prevent the spread of germs?
What can you do to keep yourself clean from germs that are in the air and on surfaces around you? How can you remind yourself to do those things?
In the civic arena, which source of power do you experience most often? How does it affect you?
Can you think of a time when you had power in the civic arena (e.g. you led a discussion, volunteered to help others achieve a goal)? If so, what checks and balances, if any, were in place to keep you from abusing your position?
How can 'power' and 'powerlessness' be balanced? What can you do to be more powerful in everyday life? (Additional resource: Ideas blog post)
Choose a topic that your local officials are debating and you feel strongly about. Using the citizenship skills described, what strategies might you use to engage in the debate?
Meslin redefines apathy as a “complex web of cultural barriers that reinforces disengagement”. With that interpretation, what rating would you give to the apathy of your community? Why?
How much is your community supporting or discouraging your involvement? How does that impact the trust you have in your community?
Which two of Meslin's catalysts (e.g. city hall, public space, media, leadership, political parties, charitable status, elections) do you think are the most influential in your society? Why?
Meslin offers suggestions on how to knock down the barriers to engagement. Which do you think would be most impactful? What are some methods not mentioned in the talk that might encourage more participation?
Harris argues that as a consequence of maintaining our attention, tech companies are eroding our agency, changing our relationships, and altering our conversations. How have you encountered this in your life? How do you feel about it?
How do you think Harris' three changes might help us regain power over these unintended consequences? (e.g. acknowledge we are persuadable, hold the persuader accountable to the goals of the persuadee, design to empower the things people want.)
Do you think it is possible for tech companies to foster meaningful connections while remaining profitable, or is the attention-grabbing, “race to the bottom” the only means of survival? Why/why not?
Harris imagines a social media that helps us gather offline with the people we care about or redirects controversial conversations to hosted dinner parties. What ideas do you have to reformulate our interactions with social media so it is more of a help than a hindrance?
How do you respond to our political systems: with more silence (disengagement) or with more noise (engagement)?
How much do you trust your country's political system? How much more would you trust it if your representatives voted in accordance with what citizens decided on a democracy app?
Mancini encourages networks and technologies to build alliances, not power vacuums, to be heard. “If the internet is the new printing press”, what democratic institutions do you want to build in the new internet era? (Additional resource: Ideas blog post)
Mancini believes “our political system can be transformed, not by subverting it [or] destroying it, but by rewiring it with the tools that [the] internet affords us now.” What kind of tech-based upgrades would you like to see implemented in your political system?
Have you observed attractions that confirm or counter Fisher's study (e.g. curious attracts curious, traditional attracts traditional, and analytical attracts nurturing)? Which type most resonates with you? Why?
How are choice and love connected in your culture? Do you think the paradox of choice stunts or stimulates love? Why?
What did/would you want to know about a partner before committing to a relationship and/or getting married?
How do you think technology has or has not changed our “drive to love”? To Perel’s question, what does the shift in priority from economic support to “respect, trust, humor, quality time, and attraction” mean for the nature of love?
What identities do you have in common with your parents and/or children? Which identities are uniquely yours? How does that overlap make it easier or more challenging to love your parents and/or children?
What do you think is/would be challenging about loving children with their differences? How can you prepare yourself to love unconditionally?
How should education evolve in order to help families “love no matter what”?
Solomon says, “diversity of affection and family strengthens the atmosphere of kindness.” How can we foster a society that accepts “additive models of love”?
How loved and supported do you feel by your friends? How do you cultivate friendships where both of you feel seen?
Nelson’s formula includes positivity, consistency, and vulnerability. Which one(s) could help your friendships the most? How can you create space for more of that in your friendships in the near future?
Why do you think connectedness is correlated with the significant health issues Nelson cites? How does that make you feel?
Is there anyone in whom you want to invest more “P, C, or V” so they “move up the friendtimacy triangle”? If yes, what makes you want to invest in this friendship? What action will you take to invest in this friendship?
What is your response to the spectrums of healthy-to-unhealthy behaviors that Hood describes? (e.g. exhilarating-to-intense, independent-to-isolating, flirtatious-to-jealous, encouraging-to-belittling, steady-to-volatile)
In what instances have you experienced the early warning signs of unhealthy love? Did you realize it at the time? If so, how? If not, what helped you realize it?
What aspects of your life have/could improve because of experiencing healthy love?
How do you think young people should be taught the difference between healthy and unhealthy love?
In what instances have you thought of yourself as a descendant? An ancestor? Both? How does that affect the way you think of leaving behind resources that can adapted over time? (Additional resource: Ideas blog post)
How much of your work is “frequent, high-volume tasks” that a machine could perform versus “novel situations” that machines cannot do? How does that make you feel? What does that make you want to do?
How can we make the economy more equitable for the people who will lose their jobs to machines?
Do you see machines as a support or as an enemy?
How would your life be different if a machine did some of your responsibilities? Would you be happier? Would you make less income? Would you have more time?
What skills do you think young people need most to be prepared for the future?
How should education evolve in order to train them for the future?
To inform the solutions you propose for the future, what questions would you want to ask young people? (Additional resource: Mara Mintzer’s Talk)
Fore shares programs initiated by Argentina, South Africa, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Lebanon. What does your country need to do to help young people feel safe enough to focus on their future?
Has this Talk changed your perspective on video games? If yes, how so? If not, why not?
Narula predicts video games will significantly impact society in the next five years. What are some seemingly ‘ignorable ideas’ that have gone on to change society? What is similar/dissimilar between those ideas and video games?
Real world experiences have consequences while video game experiences are simulated interactions. What are the benefits and risks of billions more people engaging in simulated interactions? (Additional resource: Jan McGonigal’s Talk)
If games can help us connect, collaborate, empathize, and earn income, does it matter that they are not real?
Do you know how your pay compares with your peers? How, if at all, is compensation discussed at your workplace? Do you think salaries should be shared? Why or why not?
Is there anyone with whom you have shared/are comfortable sharing your salary? If yes, what makes that relationship different from others?
If you could see your colleagues’ salary so long as you shared yours, would you do it? Why or why not?
David reveals that pay transparency can increase fairness and collaboration in the workplace and decrease the gender wage gap. Do you think there are other workplace challenges that pay transparency could address?
Tammy and her brother grew up with the idea that “more money [would] make [them] happy.” What ideas about money have you inherited from your upbringing? Do you still follow them?
Why do you think we hide our problems around money? (sit silent in money shame)
Do you or people you know equate financial-worth with self-worth?
What are the explicit and implicit messages about money that can be used so money is openly discussed in a helpful way?
What’s your view on neoliberal economic assumptions (e.g. raising wages kills jobs, people are paid what they are worth, humans are rational and selfish)? Is that different after you watched the Talk?
To whom do you think corporations should be accountable (e.g. shareholders, customers, workers, community)?
Nick is using his wealth to drive legislative changes that require the rich to pay more taxes and increase the minimum wage. What choices and actions can we make to create a more equitable, prosperous, and more sustainable society? What successful examples come to mind? (e.g. cooperative businesses, B-corps, The anti-CEO playbook)
What keeps neoliberal countries from building a more cooperative society? How do socialist and communist countries promote cooperation? What can socialism, communism, and neoliberalism learn from each other?
What is your view on the priority governments, companies, organizations and people place on technology-driven efficiency?
In what areas could the world stand become more efficient?
How has technology affected human skills such as preparedness, coalition-building, humility, imagination, and bravery? How could technology empower human skills?
Having considered this idea, which skills will you intentionally engage?
