TED Courses

The World's Hidden Music Rituals

Explore hidden music rituals worldwide through the lens of a nomadic filmmaker, followed by a performance from a jazz icon. Discover how film and music can offer new perspectives on diverse cultures.

• YouTube
• 24 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Conference Talk

Why Privacy Matters

Revelations about extensive US surveillance of private citizens and why privacy is crucial, even for those with "nothing to hide." A compelling argument for safeguarding personal privacy in the digital age.

• YouTube
• 21 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Conference Talk

New Thoughts on Capital in the Twenty-First Century

French economist explores economic inequality, arguing that return on capital outpaces economic growth, leading to widening wealth gaps with potentially significant societal impacts.

• YouTube
• 21 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Conference Talk

The Magic of the Amazon - A River That Flows Invisibly All Around Us

Explore the Amazon's hidden ecosystem: its role as Earth's heart and lungs, pumping water through trees and atmosphere, and providing vital environmental services globally.

• YouTube
• 22 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Conference Talk

Beware, Fellow Plutocrats, the Pitchforks Are Coming

Wealthy capitalist warns of growing inequality's dangers, advocating for dramatic minimum wage increase to boost middle class, foster economic prosperity, and prevent societal upheaval.

• YouTube
• 20 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Conference Talk

The Side of Terrorism That Doesn't Make Headlines

Powerful stories of individuals combating fundamentalism within their communities, highlighting an overlooked human rights struggle and the fight to reclaim faith from extremism.

• YouTube
• 20 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Conference Talk

How I Started Writing Songs Again

Sting shares his journey through writer's block, finding inspiration in shipyard workers' stories for his musical, and performs songs including "Message in a Bottle."

• YouTube
• 23 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Conference Talk

How the Worst Moments in Our Lives Make Us Who We Are

Andrew Solomon shares personal struggles and inspiring stories, exploring how adversity shapes identity and calling for meaning-making through life's toughest challenges.

• YouTube
• 20 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Conference Talk

To Create for the Ages, Let's Combine Art and Engineering

Explore how combining art, engineering, and design can lead to timeless creations. Discover the power of interdisciplinary approaches in innovation and the search for modern masterpieces.

• YouTube
• 20 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Conference Talk

Where's Google Going Next?

Larry Page discusses Google's ambitious future plans, including aerial bikeways, internet balloons, and AI advancements, offering insights into the company's innovative vision and recent acquisitions.

• YouTube
• 24 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Conference Talk

Depression, the Secret We Share

Andrew Solomon shares his personal battle with depression and explores global perspectives on the condition, offering insights into its nature and the power of open dialogue.

• YouTube
• 29 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Conference Talk

Why Do We Sleep

Explore sleep's mysteries with neuroscientist Russell Foster. Discover popular theories, debunk myths, and learn about sleep's potential as a mental health predictor in this enlightening talk.

• YouTube
• 22 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Conference Talk

A Tale of Two Political Systems

Provocative talk challenging Western assumptions about political systems, exploring alternative models for successful modern nations and questioning the universality of capitalist democracy.

• YouTube
• 21 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Conference Talk

Anatomy of a New Yorker Cartoon

Explore the art of New Yorker cartoons with editor Bob Mankoff as he dissects humor, analyzes what makes cartoons work, and shares insights into the magazine's rigorous selection process.

• YouTube
• 21 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Conference Talk

Imagine a European Democracy Without Borders

Former Greek PM explores the European economic crisis, highlighting the need for citizen re-engagement and a new democratic model to address challenges in oversized, uncontrollable systems.

• YouTube
• 20 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Conference Talk