With over 2500 fascinating Ted Talks available on the Ted website, it is hard to know where to start watching. These 7 talks are a few of the most interesting and relevant ones that I have found, as I have scoured the site on numerous occasions (it really is so easy to get sucked in).
1. "Why some people are more altruistic than others" by Abigail Marsh
Abigail Marsh shares the incredibly touching story of being saved from a dangerous car crash by a complete stranger and goes on to explain how it has caused her to make her life's work studying anomalously compassionate people. Her analysis of what makes some people more compassionate than others, as well as her projections of hope for humanity becoming more compassionate in the future, is truly inspiring.
2. "Depressed dogs, cats with OCD — what animal madness means for us humans" by Laurel Braitman
Having a dog with anxiety, this talk really hits home for me. It's hilarious, but also super suitable and interesting for any animal or psychology-lover.
3. "Music is medicine, music is sanity" by Robert Gupta
This explanation of the therapeutic and connective effects of music includes a beautiful story that the speaker experienced, as he once played with a schizophrenic musical genius. It is a powerful juxtaposition of the disheartening truths of how those with mental illnesses live and are treated, and the healing and "redemptive power" of music.
4. "How college loans exploit students for profit" by Sajay Samuel
Will education ever again be seen as a "public good," and made reasonably priced? This talk explores the massive debt that students of higher education accumulate, claims that it is inherently unfair, and asserts that changes must be made.
5. "Lessons from the longest study on human development" by Helen Pearson
It is really amazing when you consider that a size of this magnitude, over 70 years and following over 70,000 children, is even possible. This riveting talk explains what makes people, from childhood into adulthood, more or less likely to be happy, healthy, and successful.
6. "The power of vulnerability" by Brené Brown
Brown explains how shame constantly prevents people from truly connecting with each other. While vulnerability may be excruciating, she argues that it is not only beneficial, but necessary.
7. "What it's like to be a woman in Hollywood" by Naomi McDougall Jones
This honest and open Ted Talk presents the very real and prevalent issues with how women are treated and portrayed in the entertainment industry.