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. Meanwhile, independently run TEDx events help share ideas in communities around the world.
What makes us create and innovate? Here are six wildly creative thinkers who share ideas and insights into what kindles genius.
Janet Echelman: Taking imagination seriously (9:26)
Janet Echelman found her true voice as an artist when her paints went missing — which forced her to look to an unorthodox new art material. Now she makes billowing, flowing, building-sized sculpture with a surprisingly geeky edge. A transporting 10 minutes of pure creativity.
Tim Brown: Tales of creativity and play (27:58)
At the 2008 Serious Play conference, designer Tim Brown talks about the powerful relationship between creative thinking and play — with many examples you can try at home (and one that maybe you shouldn’t).
Amy Tan: Where does creativity hide? (22:52)
Novelist Amy Tan digs deep into the creative process, looking for hints of how hers evolved.
Ken Robinson: How schools kill creativity (19:24)
Sir Ken Robinson makes an entertaining and profoundly moving case for creating an education system that nurtures (rather than undermines) creativity.
Isaac Mizrahi: Fashion and creativity (14:16)
Fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi spins through a dizzying array of inspirations — from ’50s pinups to a fleeting glimpse of a woman on the street who makes him shout “Stop the cab!” Inside this rambling talk are real clues to living a happy, creative life.
Julie Burstein: 4 lessons in creativity (17:20)
Radio host Julie Burstein talks with creative people for a living — and shares four lessons about how to create in the face of challenge, self-doubt and loss. Hear insights from filmmaker Mira Nair, writer Richard Ford, sculptor Richard Serra and photographer Joel Meyerowitz.
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Here is a direct link to all of these brilliant programs.
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