My brain runs all the time.

I can’t keep up. Mind you, it’s not necessarily thinking great thoughts, just functioning with a constancy that can be incredibly fun and superbly annoying (sometimes simultaneously).

So I’ve come up with a way to occupy it while I’m fixing myself and then eating lunch, here in my home office in Seattle. Because, you know, I shouldn’t just be relaxing or thinking about my next vacation to Alaska.

I watch TED Talks.

Now, if you’ve never heard of TED Talks then I am unbelievably excited to be the one to tell you. In their words:

“TED is a nonprofit devoted to spreading ideas, usually in the form of short, powerful talks (18 minutes or less). TED began in 1984 as a conference where Technology, Entertainment and Design converged, and today covers almost all topics — from science to business to global issues — in more than 100 languages.”

They have an amazing treasure trove of videos of all kinds of smart people saying and doing amazing things. And smart search capabilities so you can easily browse and/or navigate their wellspring of watchable brilliance.

Some of the speakers are famous, some because famous after their TED Talk, some perhaps still will be famous. But whatever interests you, it’s more than likely there.

A few options to start you off and/or bring you to new places (you can also click here for TEDs own TED 101, 11 “classic talks”).

• Here’s one of my favorites, from behavioral economist Dan Ariely (whose personal story, incidentally, is in itself inspiring): What Makes Us Feel Good About Our Work?
• This short but dense clip from David Brooks of the New York Times is worth watching more than once: Should You Live for Your Résumé … or Your Eulogy?
• I (and 17 million other people) love this one from Amy Cuddy, at social psychologist at Harvard. It’s the second most-watched TED Talk, and it can change your life: Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are
• Last is one I’ve selected mostly because I found the descriptions of the Parthenon, that great Roman landmark, to be fascinating. I’ve been there more than once and never knew the genius of its design. The lesson? Watch stuff. Pick one, watch, learn, repeat. To Create for the Ages, Let’s Combine Art and Engineering

I’d also like to point out that three of the top five most watched talks are given by women.

And that, friends, is thought for food.

Got a favorite? Let me know and/or share below. Thanks!

 

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