The cap has been thrown, the handshake from the Dean received, and the diploma’s in the mail (at least, that’s what they tell me). Now that my formal education has come to an end, where do I go from here?

How can one keep expanding his/her mind without the lectures of professors and hours of homework?

Enter TED. TED (which stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design) is a non-profit foundation that hosts talks from smart people offering “ideas worth spreading”.  This week I’ve been watching lots of talks, hoping to experience the enlightening effects of an expanding mind.

Here are some of my favorites.  Just a warning, this is a PG-13 rated post, as some of the videos have mild language. Enjoy!

Tony Robbins On Why We Do What We Do

Tony explains the hidden forces that cause us to make decisions, become motivated, and achieve.

Barry Schwartz On the Paradox of Choice

Perhaps my favorite TED talk so far.  Barry breaks down choice paralysis and challenges underlying assumptions of freedom.

James Randi’s Fiery Takedown of Psychic Fraud

This guy is funny, from his beard to his mannerisms. James hates all things metaphysical and non-scientific.  At least watch the video to see him down a bottle of sleeping pills!

Michael Shermer On Strange Beliefs

Michael demonstrates a marijuana dowsing-rod and how to fake a UFO picture.

Derek Sivers: How to Start a Movement

Derek explains that, when starting a movement, the first follower is much more important than the leader.

Arthur Benjamin Does “Mathemagic”

Behold the power of the human calculator. Art demonstrates the usefulness of mnemonics.

What are some of your favorite TED talks?

Tags: challenging assumptions, mathemagic, TED

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