For me, videos that triumph the funniest vines and YouTube vlogs are Technology, Entertainment and Design talks. Each one is intended to spark ideas and help others have a better understanding of the world. These passionate talks, averaging 18 minutes in length, are spoken by some of the world’s finest intellectuals from differing backgrounds and cultures. There are countless topics such as psychology, faith, art, science, global issues and more. I love being able to discuss them with others who are just as interested and view them regularly. They draw me in and sometimes make my head hurt from thinking too hard.

The first one I remember viewing, and perhaps one of my all-time favorites, is the TED talk “How Do YOU Define Yourself” presented by Lizzie Velasquez. Velasquez is a twenty-eight-year-old woman with a rare disease called Marfanoid-progeroid-lipodystrophy syndrome which keeps her from exceeding 60 pounds. She tells her story, with an impressive amount of humor, of how she conquered the hate she received from her appearance. She wanders the stage confidently, enthralling her audience, and chills ran down my arms listening to her. I believe she is one of the strongest women in the world and her talk taught me that I can overcome any obstacle.

I know how undemanding it is to mindlessly watch TV or play video games, but I believe watching a TED talk is more beneficial. I promise they are just as entertaining and provoke productive thoughts unlike traditional forms of entertainment.

I search for TED Talks when I’m feeling unmotivated or stressed about my future. I click on the entertainment category when I want a laugh and global issues when I want to learn. The talks are always able to make me feel hopeful and each one inspires me.

Here are my top five Ted Talks (in no specific order):

“Do schools kill creativity?” by Sir Ken Robinson

Sir Ken Robinson’s wit and humor makes this talk incredibly riveting. He advocates for the education school children receive to promote creativity rather than destroy it. His insight is fascinating and ultimately thought-provoking when it comes to evaluating the schooling system.

“The danger of a single story” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche

Chimamanda Adiche gives her personal story of how she discovered her voice, one that is unique her own. She talks about the importance of not letting a single story define a group of people, and encourages viewers to listen to others with an open mind. 

“Your elusive creative genius” by Elizabeth Gilbert

This talk is uplifting and Elizabeth Gilbert pushes her audience to believe everyone is capable of accomplishing multiple major things in life. She doesn’t believe anyone is a “one hit wonder” and she uses her humor to promote creativity as well as maintaining a positive ideology.

“My stroke of insight” by Jill Bolte Taylor

After having a massive stroke, brain research scientist Jill Taylor tells the story of her brain’s many functions. Her alacrity in light of an unfortunate event is incredible and her story makes one feel hopeful.

“How to spot a liar” by Pamela Meyer

Pamela Meyer shows how to determine when someone is lying based on common behaviors, actions and manners associated with deception. Her argument is valuable and engrossing in terms of psychology. Overall, it is a very educational talk.