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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.

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    Shea Hembrey: How I became 100 artists

    How do you stage an international art show with work ...

    How do you stage an international art show with work from 100 different artists? If you're Shea Hembrey, you invent all of the artists and artwork yourself -- from large-scale outdoor installations to tiny paintings drawn with a single-haired brush. Watch this funny, mind-bending talk to see the explosion of creativity and diversity of skills a single artist is capable of.

    Jun 14, 2011 Read more
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    Stefan Sagmeister: 7 rules for making more happiness

    Using simple, delightful illustrations, designer Stefan Sagmeister shares his latest ...

    Using simple, delightful illustrations, designer Stefan Sagmeister shares his latest thinking on happiness -- both the conscious and unconscious kind. His seven rules for life and design happiness can (with some customizations) apply to everyone seeking more joy.

    Jun 1, 2011 Read more
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    Ron Gutman: The hidden power of smiling

    Ron Gutman reviews a raft of studies about smiling, and ...

    Ron Gutman reviews a raft of studies about smiling, and reveals some surprising results. Did you know your smile can be a predictor of how long you'll live -- and that a simple smile has a measurable effect on your overall well-being? Prepare to flex a few facial muscles as you learn more about this evolutionarily contagious behavior.

    May 11, 2011 Read more
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    Cynthia Breazeal: The rise of personal robots

    Cynthia Breazeal wonders: Why can we use robots on Mars, ...

    Cynthia Breazeal wonders: Why can we use robots on Mars, but not in our living rooms? The key, she says, is in training robots to interact with people. Now she dreams up and builds robots that teach, learn -- and play. Watch for amazing demo footage of a new interactive game for kids.

    Feb 8, 2011 Read more
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    Nigel Marsh: How to make work-life balance work

    Work-life balance, says Nigel Marsh, is too important to be ...

    Work-life balance, says Nigel Marsh, is too important to be left in the hands of your employer. Marsh lays out an ideal day balanced between family time, personal time and productivity -- and offers some stirring encouragement to make it happen.

    Feb 7, 2011 Read more
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    Christopher McDougall: Are we born to run?

    Christopher McDougall explores the mysteries of the human desire to ...

    Christopher McDougall explores the mysteries of the human desire to run. How did running help early humans survive -- and what urges from our ancient ancestors spur us on today? McDougall tells the story of the marathoner with a heart of gold, the unlikely ultra-runner, and the hidden tribe in Mexico that runs to live.

    Feb 3, 2011 Read more
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    Neil Pasricha: The 3 A's of awesome

    Neil Pasricha's blog 1000 Awesome Things savors life's simple pleasures, ...

    Neil Pasricha's blog 1000 Awesome Things savors life's simple pleasures, from free refills to clean sheets. In this heartfelt talk, he reveals the 3 secrets (all starting with A) to leading a life that's truly awesome. (Filmed at TEDxToronto.)

    Jan 7, 2011 Read more
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    Brené Brown: The power of vulnerability

    Brené Brown studies human connection -- our ability to empathize, ...

    Brené Brown studies human connection -- our ability to empathize, belong, love. In a poignant, funny talk, she shares a deep insight from her research, one that sent her on a personal quest to know herself as well as to understand humanity. A talk to share.

    Dec 23, 2010 Read more
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    Rufus Griscom + Alisa Volkman: Let's talk parenting taboos

    Babble.com publishers Rufus Griscom and Alisa Volkman, in a lively ...

    Babble.com publishers Rufus Griscom and Alisa Volkman, in a lively tag-team, expose 4 facts that parents never, ever admit -- and why they should. Funny and honest, for parents and nonparents alike.

    Dec 16, 2010 Read more
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    Ze Frank: My web playroom

    On the web, a new "Friend" may be just a ...

    On the web, a new "Friend" may be just a click away, but true connection is harder to find and express. Ze Frank presents a medley of zany Internet toys that require deep participation -- and reward it with something more nourishing. You're invited, if you promise you'll share.

    Oct 15, 2010 Read more
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