I have just spent 11 hours at the Sydney Opera House enjoying one of the most inspiring events in Sydney’s social calendar. Before I pass out in exhaustion I wanted to take a moment to share some of the things I learned today:
- The TEDxSydney 2013 videos have been watched 18million times. You could fill and empty the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall every hour, every day, for the next 23 years and still have time left (talk about spreading ideas!).
- The author of The Book Thief was an Aussie from the Sutherland Shire who failed at discus at the age of 8.
- You can make a clarinet out of a carrot. And it can sound amazing (if you’re Linsey Pollak).
- Approximately 50% of the population in Afghanistan is < 16 years old. That’s a lot of kids.
- Being disabled is not a bad thing and it does not automatically make you exceptional. Don’t fall for “inspiration porn” which objectifies one group of people (those with disabilities) for the benefit of another group (those without).
- A memory card can survive even when sea water floods the boat you’re using to get to Australia as an asylum seeker (but your camera mightn’t be so lucky).
- Globally, only 5 % of skaters are female. But in Afghanistan, females account for 40% of the skating community. This is thanks to an amazing program called Skateiskan.
- Laser Beak Man. Enough said.
- Being able to view the stars is a simple reminder we live on a planet. Darkness doesn’t always mean danger.
- A commitment to building connections can soften even that hardest and most violent of communities, and bring out the best in everyone involved.
- There is an artisan bakery in Marrickville that not only makes amazing hand-baked goodies but gives everything back to the community.
- There are inspiring people, waiting to make the world a better place… everywhere. Just look out for them, and don’t be afraid to join them.
What were your favourite moments or take aways from TEDxSydney 2014? Were you there in person, were you at a satellite event or did you stream it live at home? I’d love to hear from my fellow Teddies – leave a comment below. ♥