logo
episode-header-image
Mar 2022
10m 25s

3 reasons for optimism in difficult time...

TED
About this episode
"Every great and difficult thing has required a strong sense of optimism," says editor and author Kevin Kelly, who believes that we have a moral obligation to be optimistic. Tracing humanity's progress throughout history, he's observed that a positive outlook helps us solve problems and empowers us to forge a path forward. In this illuminating talk, he shares three reasons for optimism during challenging times, explaining how it can help us become better ancestors and create the world we want to see for ourselves and future generations.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Up next
Yesterday
TED Talks Daily Book Club: Intentional Ambition: Redefining Your Work for Greater Joy, Freedom, and Fulfillment | Rha Goddess
Rha Goddess is an entrepreneurial soul coach and author of the new book "Intentional Ambition: Redefining Your Work for Greater Joy, Freedom, and Fulfillment." In this TED Talks Daily Book Club interview with host Elise Hu, Goddess talks about moving forward after the 2020 pandem ... Show More
53m 52s
Aug 23
Why having fun is the secret to a healthier life | Catherine Price (re-release)
Have you had your daily dose of fun? It's not just enjoyable, it's also essential for your health and happiness, says science journalist Catherine Price. She proposes a new definition of fun -- what she calls "true fun" -- and shares easy, evidence-backed ways to weave playfulnes ... Show More
13m 26s
Aug 22
What sex, soap and alcohol taught me about making an impact | Myriam Sidibe
What if saving lives and growing a company went hand in hand? Public health expert Myriam Sidibe thinks many businesses are going about social impact all wrong — and leaving millions of dollars on the table at the same time. Drawing from decades of experience, she reveals a playb ... Show More
11m 8s
Recommended Episodes
Nov 2014
Episode #042 ... Optimism
On this episode, we explore the benefits and drawbacks of optimism. First, we examine the various motivations for pessimism, and hear what Winston Churchill, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Marcus Aurelius have to say about optimism. Next, we think about the vastly different implication ... Show More
28m 23s
May 2023
256 - Developing Optimism
Are you a pessimist? Do you see the glass as half empty? Do you often get depressed when you think about the state of the world? Today I want to talk about how stoicism can help make you an optimist.Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your wa ... Show More
12m 32s
May 2023
Excellent Advice For Living: Kevin Kelly On Wealth, AI, Optimism, & The Future
Here to give us necessary life essentials is skilled navigator of uncertain times, Kevin Kelly. For those unfamiliar, Kevin is the co-founder of Wired magazine—widely recognized as the bible of the digital age. He is a renowned futurist, author, and public speaker whose insights ... Show More
2h 25m
Mar 2023
803: Martin Seligman | Flourishing in an Uncertain Future
Martin Seligman is the Fox Leadership Professor of Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania and the director of the Positive Psychology Network. He is the author of 20+ books including Learned Optimism and The Optimistic Child; his latest (co-authored with Gabriella Rosen Kel ... Show More
1h 7m
Jul 2021
388: Optimism vs. Pessimism vs. Realism: Which is Best?
Do you consider yourself to be an optimist, a pessimist, or a realist? Optimism, pessimism, and realism are three different paradigms that impact how we approach life and interpret life’s events. For some, they’re even identities. When we face difficult times, our dominant paradi ... Show More
1h 4m
Apr 2023
How Idealism saved Leo Tolstoy’s life
Today’s article sheds light on the personal journey of one of the world’s most renowned authors, and the impact of idealism on his development and growth. It shows us what joins humanity together in its suffering, but also what joins it in the potential for collective healing. Th ... Show More
37m 46s
Sep 2022
Will MacAskill on Longtermism and What We Owe the Future
Philosopher William MacAskill of the University of Oxford and a founder of the effective altruism movement talks about his book What We Owe the Future with EconTalk host Russ Roberts. MacAskill advocates "longtermism," giving great attention to the billions of people who will liv ... Show More
1h 16m
Oct 2022
L’optimisme, croire en un avenir meilleur
Abonnez-vous à la newsletter pour cultiver votre curiosité, échanger avec moi et recevoir un petit guide qui vous accompagnera dans votre pratique de l'écoute (Si vous ne recevez pas l'email avec votre guide à télécharger après quelques minutes, pensez à vérifier vos spams !) Vou ... Show More
22m 38s
Nov 2021
Which is better: Optimism or pessimism?
In most cultures, the soundtrack to our lives is one of optimism. We are told to aim for the stars, dream big and believe that tomorrow will definitely be a better day. But why do so many people subscribe to the cult of 'glass half full' when life’s hardships should make any reas ... Show More
32m 22s
Jul 2018
Optimism and hope—with Martin Seligman
Are you an optimist or a pessimist? Optimism may protect you from depression. But pessimism could be roughly equivalent to smoking more than 2 packs of cigarettes a day. Known as The Father of Positive Psychology, Professor Martin Seligman continues his talk to an Australian audi ... Show More
28m 57s