Playing Devil’s Advocate February 18, 2014
Posted by nrhatch in Humor, Life Balance, Mindfulness, People.comments closed
Last month, Eric shared a video about someone who is not a fan of TED talks and asked for our thoughts on the speaker’s points.
As I watched the video and listened to the speaker’s criticisms of TED talks, these thoughts (which I shared with Eric) crossed my mind:
1. All TED talks are not created equal.
2. TED addresses a great diversity and range of topics.
3. Bratton’s points apply to some TED talks some of the time.
4. TED speakers address complicated topics in an accessible fashion.
5. TED never promised to “save the world.”
6. TED is just one “book” in the world of Global information.
7. Those who want more information on a topic need not stop with TED.
Anyone who expects to move from “IGNORANT” to “EXPERT” after a short lecture on a complicated topic is in serious need of a reality check.
From my perspective, TED’s primary benefit lies in reminding us that the “what is” is not a constant or a given, it is static and changing.
TED Talks open eyes to the field of possibilities. Instead of despair (“I have seen the future and it doesn’t work”), viewers leave with hope (“I have seen the future and it MIGHT work”).
* * *
Before adopting someone else’s criticisms about THIS, judgments about THAT, or pronouncements about THE OTHER THING as your own . . . step back and play Devil’s Advocate first to clarify what YOU think.
He who trims himself to suit everyone else will soon whittle himself away. ~ Raymond Hull
Aah . . . that’s better!
Spirit Lights The Way 