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Formula for Happiness; Joy of Gifting | Yuan Zhi Teng | TEDxGerman European School Singapore Youth
TEDx Talks· 2025-10-02 15:24
Core Argument - The presentation introduces a formula for happiness: Happiness = Altruism - Expectation + Personal Meaning * Frequency of Acts, suggesting that gifting, when approached correctly, can be a significant source of happiness [2][10] - The key to happiness through gifting lies in minimizing expectations and maximizing personal meaning and frequency [10][11][12][13] Psychological Insights - Gifting releases dopamine and oxytocin, contributing to feelings of happiness, and the joy of others can feed one's own through emotional cognition [4][5] - Expectation in gifting can be detrimental, leading to disappointment if not reciprocated, highlighting the importance of intrinsic motivation over extrinsic motivation [7][8] Practical Application - True altruism involves giving without expecting anything in return, focusing on the joy of the act itself [11] - Meaningful gifts are thoughtful and reflect an understanding of the recipient's personality and interests [12] - Frequent small gestures can compound into significant happiness, emphasizing the importance of consistent acts of kindness [13] Broader Implications - The presentation challenges the notion of obligatory gifting during holidays, suggesting it can diminish the joy of giving [9] - The formula can be applied to oneself, emphasizing the importance of self-care and self-gifting [14]
Unlocking the Biological Purpose of Consciousness | Gerda Andringa | TEDxUniversityCollegeRoosevelt
TEDx Talks· 2025-09-19 16:00
Core Argument - The presentation explores the nature of consciousness, contrasting dualistic and monistic perspectives [1][3] - It proposes that consciousness should be viewed as a complex function of the brain, not separate from it [8][9][21] - The presentation suggests that consciousness is relatively rare, with much of our brain activity being subconscious [10][11] Functions of Consciousness - The presentation posits that consciousness is particularly important for long-term planning and problem-solving [14] - It argues that consciousness is crucial for making altruistic decisions, enabling compassion and a focus beyond self-interest [17][20] - The presentation suggests that consciousness can drive the creation of a more equitable and better world [20][21] Implications - Neuroscientific studies suggest that the sense of consciousness might be a product of the brain [1][2] - Subconscious processing aids in making fast decisions, while consciousness is time-consuming and energy-demanding [12][13] - Long-term decisions are informed by moral judgments, ethics, and personal values, highlighting the role of consciousness [16][17]
The Philosophy of Happiness | Beisan Al Sharif | TEDxKhilda
TEDx Talks· 2025-09-04 15:04
Core Message - Happiness is found in giving without expecting anything in return, supported by scientific studies linking altruism to improved mental health and life satisfaction [4][5][19][33] - Community and the presence of people are essential for a fulfilling life [8] Orphan Child Welfare Association - The Orphan Child Welfare Association provides a creative space for arts and exploration for children aged 5-18 in Al Hussein refugee camp [10] - Jiu-jitsu program empowers children, providing discipline, teamwork, self-defense, and opportunities, with examples of children achieving success in competitions [11][12][13][14] - The center provides creative outlets like music, dabke, and theater, offering a break from harsh conditions and fostering passion and purpose [15][16] - Individuals from various professions contribute to the community center, offering their skills and support [17] Project C - Project C aims to preserve marine life and coral reefs in Aqaba, Jordan, through cleanup dives and education [25] - The project has completed 46 cleanup campaigns, engaging over 600 volunteers from 50 nationalities, with 50% being female, removing approximately 13 tons of waste, 70% of which was plastic [26] - Waste collected is used to create giant fish-like sculptures and furniture in collaboration with local entities [28] - An intensive school program was launched, including graduation projects, exhibitions, lectures, and a children's book, to raise awareness [29]
Debunking the Homo Economicus | Nuria Chinchilla | TEDxSalzburg
TEDx Talks· 2025-08-04 16:58
[Music] So, how can we move beyond a profit centered world to create a culture where business and people truly thrive. Picture yourself at the end of a long workday driven by data, figures, pressure, and goals. The city around you never stops.It's always demanding more. Everything needs to be faster and with fewer resources. But how often do you find yourself wondering is this all there is.During COVID, do you remember the isolation, the empty streets, and how this new situation forced us to ask ourselves w ...
The Art of Inconvenience | Salsabeel Hassan | TEDxAljazari International School
TEDx Talks· 2025-06-16 16:15
Core Argument - The prevailing "I don't owe anyone anything" mentality, often promoted as self-care, can lead to isolation and a lack of community [2][3] - Community is a fundamental human need tied to survival, success, and well-being, not just a "nice to have" [9][10] - Social isolation has detrimental effects on both physical and psychological health, comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day [13][14] - Altruism is essential for community cohesion, and its absence can lead to societal breakdown [16][17][18] Building Community - Relearning interdependence involves unlearning the shame associated with needing help and embracing vulnerability [23][24] - Building meaningful relationships requires getting out of one's comfort zone and engaging in potentially awkward social interactions [25][26][27] - Showing up for others, even when it's difficult, is crucial for fostering community and demonstrating genuine care [30][31] - Avoid keeping score in relationships; community thrives on giving without expecting anything in return [32][33] - Choose to offer time, presence, and love without expecting equal reciprocation to build a strong community [35]