Some Enlightenment
March 23, 2008
Thanks to bandwagonjumper, http://bandwagonjumper.wordpress.com/, I have been turned on to TED, “Inspired talks by the world’s greatest thinkers and doers.” TED is a by-invitation-only event, which “brings together the world’s most fascinating thinkers and doers, who are challenged to give the talk of their lives (in 18 minutes).”
The themes vary tremendously from design and technology to global issues and culture.
And it’s amazing.
Check out the talk given by novelist Isabel Allende on the theme Tales of poverty.
http://www.ted.com/talks/view/id/204
Allende speaks of women who carry passion in their hearts, and shares some amazing stories. She also speaks to the relavancy of feminism and reminds us that throughout the world women are still facing inequality and fighting adversity.
It never ceases to amaze me how wrapped up I can become in my own life and completely forget the struggles others face on a daily basis. There are people who spend their entire life fighting injustice or are forced to live in oppression, in war zones, or in utter squalor.
It’s like a friend of mine says. When you hear these extraordinary stories of people facing horrific events, you realize how absolutely minute and inconsequential your own problems are. You think in the midst of it that the issues you face are wholly unique to you. They seem so involved, so deep, but then you hear what some people have to face each day, and you realize how trivial and dime a dozen your own situation is.
Which leads me to another bit of enlightenment provided by bandwagonjumper, Pangea Day. To learn more check out www.pangeaday.org.
There are no live broadcasts planned anywhere near me, as the only U.S. one is in Los Angeles but some local colleges will be holding events. I am looking for more information on the one being held at Drexel University. So if anyone has any information on it, please let me know. There is nothing on the Drexel website, but I do have an e-mail into the group that is hosting it. I will provide more information when I have it.
Oh, and bandwagonjumper, thanks.
