Topic: TED Conferences

With conference in Mogadishu, TEDx is officially everywhere

The Somali capital is not an obvious choice for a conference that highlights 'ideas worth spreading,' but organizers say growing peace gives Somalis a chance to change their future.

Karen Armstrong argues for practical compassion

The historian has helped world religions unite behind the idea of a worldwide charter for compassion. Can it become more than just a nice idea?

Thirty ideas from people under 30: The Social Media Stars

They are explorers and activists, artists and educators, farmers and faith leaders – even mayors. And they have trenchant suggestions on how to improve the world.

My 'Millennials' generation is busy reimagining a life of ethics

The Millennial Generation is less religious than either the boomers or even Gen-Xers were at our age. But don't be misled: Though we may go to church only on Christmas or celebrate Ramadan but skip the fasting, we are busily and earnestly engaged in reimagining the ethical life.

Bollywood's global push

India is home to the world's most prolific film industry, one that is quickly making inroads into more established Western markets.

Greg Mortenson: when 'do gooders' become celebrities

The truth is still being sifted about Greg Mortenson, best-selling author and philanthropist. But maybe an early warning came when the story became all about him.

Greg Mortenson and our false ideals about social change

Greg Mortenson appears to have made some significant missteps. But further vilification doesn't help him or those who do similar work. Instead, we should look at what this case reveals about the state of fundraising, philanthropy, and the culture of “do gooder celebrity.”

Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life

Religion writer Karen Armstrong promotes a 21st-century form of the ‘compassionate discourse’ of Socrates.

How 'Star Wars' changed everything

From household robots to bionic hands to CNN holograms, the world is looking more and more like that galaxy far, far away.

Is the future of food in frozen, seed-filled Tupperware containers?

The Svalbard Global Seed Vault contains the world's largest and most diverse seed collection. In case of a disaster or crop failure in the future, the seeds, stored in a frozen underground vault, may prove vital.

What do slums teach us about greener living?

A global online push for compassion

The project to promote the golden rule has attracted 100,000 visitors from 181 nations in its first week.

Five great green TED talks

The Technology, Entertainment, and Design conference announced its 2009 prizewinners Thursday, which gives me an excuse to link to five of my favorite environmentally themed TED talks.