After four days of inspiration and making new friends at my first TED, to say I am exhausted simply doesn't cut it. After all I have experienced life living in the canopy of a forest and the wonder (and the iminent disaster) of the depths of the ocean; I've learnt how bacteria communicate with each other; that I'm missing out on amazing halucinations compliments of some brains; how easy it is to replicate hyperbolic geometry with a crochet hook; and that dead people can have orgasms!
I've also heard from some individuals who are achieving incredible things: Ray Anderson's carpet company that is really truly sustainable (even after you've finished with the carpet) and hey presto it's also making money and growing; Willlie Smits who, moved by the plight of the orangutans, has reforested areas in Indonesia with incredible side effects of jobs for the locals, food for the hungry, creating new produce to sell, and affecting the local climate by recreating rainfall in that area (you can help him here); and Shai Agassi who is on a quest which began with "how would you run a world without oil?", now he's introducing a new electric car system in many countries.
I've also seen wonderful robotics, animation, digital art, new mobile technology, new digital toys and an immersive experience that lets you fly through your own brain. Gulp.
The technology part has been really interesting, if a little disconnected from the humans for whom it is intended. I've noticed that in the past when reviewing very new technology from research labs, it can sound confused as to who/what it is really for. That said, the two examples from MIT were stunning. I guess that's our job, to apply it in a meaningful and engaging way. I'll write more about some of those examples, and will welcome your feedback.
All of that has been peppered with art, music, design, dance and mathematics. What a stimulating combination!
Finally I've been reminded about humanity, being guided by what's right, the importance of optimism (it's optimists who act in times of crisis), accepting responsibility for everything that happens to you, and the need for us all to be engaged. Liz Coleman said on the last day "we cannot have democracy made up of experts, zealots, politicians and SPECTATORS".
Plus, I learnt how to sing Happy Birthday.
