Three separate TED Talks caught my eye over the last week. All encouraged me to reflect on development as a practice and how I personally and professionally stay connected to “what is living” at a local level that is authentic and that has potential to unleash social change. No concrete answers yet of course, but how I love the questions! All videos can be viewed at: http://www.how-matters.org/2011/02/21/titillating-ted-talks/
Noreena Hertz: How to use experts – and when not to
Economist Noreena Hertz argues that “we’ve become dependent on experts’ assuredness and definitiveness, ceding our own intellect for the allusion of certainty experts provide.” I love you development economists, but Hertz says it’s time to redefine who the experts are and create space for managed dissent, bringing “heretical” views into the discourse. We have to ask—what is the cost to all of us when so many of the best minds and perspectives from the community-level are left out of navigating the paradox of development?
Jacqueline Novogratz: Inspiring a life of immersion
The founder of the Acumen Fund asks us, “What is the cost of not trying?” She aptly discusses how living a life of purpose is a conscious, intentional process that takes effort, persistence and a willingness to examine your thoughts, motives and emotions.
Krista Tippett: Reconnecting with compassion
Journalist Krista Tippet argues that a linguistic resurrection of the word “compassion” is needed. She shares, “Each and every one of us, frail and flawed as we may be, inadequate as we may feel, has exactly what’s needed to help repair the part of the world that we can see and touch.” Compassion is rarely a solution, but a sign of a deeper humanity. Seems that in order to improve international aid, we might not only have to embrace results, but also embrace our (gasp!) feelings.
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