Every Friday, we try to eat lunch as an office and discuss a topic that will help us in our work. We’ve done everything from brainstorming sessions to a run-through of a client’s website while also taking time to travel down some interesting tangents like Linda’s love of “Dexter” or the culinary merits of instant noodles.
I thought today might be a good day to watch some videos that have been posted online. I came across this video of Adora Svitak speaking at the TED Conference earlier this year. In the video, she talk about how we often use the word “childish” as a negative when the world might benefit from some of the traits children embrace like creativity and optimism. Did I mention that she is only 12?
I was impressed not only by her composure and charisma but also her thoughts on how children can enjoy creativity and the pursuit of perfection because they haven’t learned all about the world yet. Or how learning should be a two-way street between teacher and student but it often doesn’t work out that way due to a lack of trust. Such wisdom for someone so young!
After watching the video, I can’t think of a better spokesperson for the idea that adults can learn something from a child.
Tags: creativity, education, speeches, TED, video
I think all of us boring big kids could learn a thing or two from Adora. She is amazing! Not only is she smart, but she is a great presenter.
This video is fantastic, but I honestly expect nothing less from TED. By the way, have I ever mentioned the time I accidentally snuck into TED global while trying to get my hands on a press pass? It’s quite a story.
(This isn’t a secret. As soon as I realized that I was on the convention floor, I alerted the security to what had happened)
I’ll admit it…I do love “Dexter”, but this video was thought-provoking and inspirational. I know I don’t have children working at G/J, but the young, brilliant minds at our firm have been a new lease on life for me. Thank you, Richard, for sharing Adora with the team.
I agree with you, Amanda. In her short 12 years, she has more social grace than I do. We (adults) need to open our eyes and realize that children, though they may be young, have something to offer too!
I agree with Rachel and Amanda. Adora is great, and she presents herself incredibly well; but I think that her talk speaks to something that many kids are already thinking.
I’ve always felt that children are terribly underestimated by adults. I remember feeling that way as a kid too. I took the film ‘Big’ very seriously as a child and I promised myself to never get so caught up in being an adult that I lost my sense of youth, which is a promise that I keep to this day.
I also remember having adults tell me things along the lines of, “cherish your childhood because it’s over before you know it” and wondering where they thought the ‘magic’ of childhood went. I think this is basically the same thing that Adora is speaking to. Childhood is not an unreachable memory, but simply a different way of looking at the world.
I think that if adults and children worked together more often, and treated eachother as equals, some amazing things would result. If you don’t believe me, take a look at this (http://www.google.com/doodle4google/vote.html) and see if you’re not inspired.
This was so inspiring. And I have to agree with Adora, that adults can learn a lot from children. If only we could tap into the energy, creativity and imagination of a child – everyday.