TED Theme: What Makes Us Happy?
"The Pursuit of Happiness" was 2004's conference theme, but TED speakers over many years have found themselves driven to understand the nature of happiness. Daniel Gilbert's astonishing talk shows how we humans are poor predictors of what will make us happy. Stefan Sagmeister shares how ...
"The Pursuit of Happiness" was 2004's conference theme, but TED speakers over many years have found themselves driven to understand the nature of happiness. Daniel Gilbert's astonishing talk shows how we humans are poor predictors of what will make us happy. Stefan Sagmeister shares how great design contributed to his happiest moments, suggesting that the secret may be attention to detail. And Malcolm Gladwell, tongue in cheek, explores what we might learn about the pursuit of happiness through one man's quest to make the perfect pasta sauce. But suppose we understand happiness. How, then, do we find it? Carl Honore says the key is, simply, to slow down. Pastor Rick Warren appeals for a life of spiritual purpose. And Barry Schwartz thinks a little less choice might do us all a lot of good.
Show all Visit Show Website http://www.ted.com/themes/view/i...Recently Aired
-
HD
Baba Shiv: Sometimes it's good to give up the driver's seat
Over the years, research has shown a counterintuitive fact about ...
Over the years, research has shown a counterintuitive fact about human nature: That sometimes, having too much choice makes us less happy. This may even be true when it comes to medical treatment. Baba Shiv shares a fascinating study that measures why choice opens the door to doubt, and suggests that ceding control -- especially on life-or-death decisions -- may be the best thing for us. (Filmed at TEDxStanford.)
-
HD
Jane McGonigal: The game that can give you 10 extra years of life
When game designer Jane McGonigal found herself bedridden and suicidal ...
When game designer Jane McGonigal found herself bedridden and suicidal following a severe concussion, she had a fascinating idea for how to get better. She dove into the scientific research and created the healing game, SuperBetter. In this moving talk, McGonigal explains how a game can boost resilience -- and promises to add 7.5 minutes to your life.
-
HD
Sebastian Deterding: What your designs say about you
What does your chair say about what you value? Designer ...
What does your chair say about what you value? Designer Sebastian Deterding shows how our visions of morality and what the good life is are reflected in the design of objects around us. (Filmed at TEDxHogeschoolUtrecht.)
-
HD
Michael Norton: How to buy happiness
At TEDxCambridge, Michael Norton shares fascinating research on how money ...
At TEDxCambridge, Michael Norton shares fascinating research on how money can, indeed buy happiness -- when you don't spend it on yourself. Listen for surprising data on the many ways pro-social spending can benefit you, your work, and (of course) other people.
-
HD
Laura Carstensen: Older people are happier
In the 20th century we added an unprecedented number of ...
In the 20th century we added an unprecedented number of years to our lifespans, but is the quality of life as good? Surprisingly, yes! At TEDxWomen psychologist Laura Carstensen shows research that demonstrates that as people get older they become happier, more content, and have a more positive outlook on the world. (Filmed at TEDxWomen.)
-
HD
Jonathan Haidt: Religion, evolution, and the ecstasy of self-transcendence
Psychologist Jonathan Haidt asks a simple, but difficult question: why ...
Psychologist Jonathan Haidt asks a simple, but difficult question: why do we search for self-transcendence? Why do we attempt to lose ourselves? In a tour through the science of evolution by group selection, he proposes a provocative answer.
-
HD
Larry Smith: Why you will fail to have a great career
In this funny and blunt talk, Larry Smith pulls no ...
In this funny and blunt talk, Larry Smith pulls no punches when he calls out the absurd excuses people invent when they fail to pursue their passions.
-
HD
Shawn Achor: The happy secret to better work
We believe that we should work to be happy, but ...
We believe that we should work to be happy, but could that be backwards? In this fast-moving and entertaining talk, psychologist Shawn Achor argues that actually happiness inspires productivity. (Filmed at TEDxBloomington.)
-
HD
Alain de Botton: Atheism 2.0
What aspects of religion should atheists (respectfully) adopt? Alain de ...
What aspects of religion should atheists (respectfully) adopt? Alain de Botton suggests a "religion for atheists" -- call it Atheism 2.0 -- that incorporates religious forms and traditions to satisfy our human need for connection, ritual and transcendence.
-
HD
Jane Fonda: Life's third act
Within this generation, an extra 30 years have been added ...
Within this generation, an extra 30 years have been added to our life expectancy -- and these years aren’t just a footnote or a pathology. In this talk, Jane Fonda asks how we can think about this new phase of our lives. (Filmed at TEDxWomen.)
