What if life has no inherent meaning? This talk challenges the comforting narratives of faith, culture, and responsibility, revealing how our sense of purpose is rooted in the brain’s chemistry. From dopamine-driven pursuits to the illusions of love and duty, it argues that meaning is not given by the universe, but created by us. By embracing this perspective, we can shift from passive existence to active choice—turning the inevitability of life into a stage where we define our own purpose and maximize fulfillment, not despite the absurdity of life, but because of it. A high school student and youth speaker, soon to begin his undergraduate studies in law with a developing focus on capital markets and private equity. He has gained early experience through mock trial practice and internships, sparking his interest in how legal systems influence financial structures and business growth. Beyond law, he enjoys observing and recording small details of daily life, believing these moments can reveal broader insights about the world. He aims to bridge the gap between law and finance in a fast-changing global economy, while inspiring his peers to reflect on their own pace and choices. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
More from TED
- 12:25Circle up — the power of freestyle | Zoe Slusar, A.K.A. ZHE The Free | TEDxVictoriaFreestyle rap isn’t just music. It’s an accessible tool for healing, confidence, and community. From mental health to youth empowerment, freestyle shows that authentic expression can change lives. Zoe Slusar, aka ZHE the FREE, is a powerhouse hip-hop artist, mentor, and advocate. Growing up on Treaty 7 land, she channels her fire into explosive performances, blending freestyle, storytelling, and social activism. Winner of the National Music Centre’s 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop track competition, she inspires others to find their voice through music. A dedicated mentor, she has worked with Sask Music, Tribe Artist Society, and more, using hip-hop as a tool for youth empowerment. Founder of Cypher Club YYC and co-founder of Circle Made Artist Society, ZHE organizes community events, bringing artists together through the power of rhythm, words, and raw energy. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 15:25Let her buy cigarettes: Giving that centres dignity, not data | Jill Van Gyn-Carr | TEDxVictoriaMost giving comes with strings attached. This talk reveals why oversight isn’t generosity, how stigma blocks impact, and why unconditional trust may be the most radical form of compassion. Jill Van Gyn-Carr is a writer, advocate, and business leader known for her bold approach to storytelling, entrepreneurship, and social impact. As founding CEO of Fatso Peanut Butter, she built a nationally recognized brand celebrated for its progressive values. Her leadership has been nationally recognized by Maclean’s, BC Business, and EY and today she is the Director of Business Development at Rifflandia Entertainment Company where she helps drive growth, brand development, and strategic initiatives for one of Canada’s most dynamic music and entertainment brands. Jill is on the board of Peers Victoria, an organization that ignited her passion for small-scale, high-impact philanthropy. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 13:13Slower thinking for a faster world | Erfa Alani | TEDxVictoriaComplex decisions require more than data; they need ethical clarity. From AI and climate change to everyday choices at work and home, discover a four-lens framework for seeing beyond immediate outcomes to build trust, navigate moral complexity, and build the most essential leadership skill. Erfa Alani is an executive leader with over 20 years experience shaping strategy, investment, and public policy across industries. A former refugee, she learned resilience early—an ethos that has guided her through law school to consulting at PwC and IBM. She worked as Deputy Head of Mission at the Aga Khan Development Network where she secured critical resources for healthcare, education, and infrastructure, bringing sustainable development to underserved communities. Erfa specializes in building organizations from the ground up, fostering collaboration to drive lasting impact. She is currently Chief of Staff and Director of Corporate Affairs at Invest Ontario, an organization she helped to establish. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 8:20让不可能成为可能 ——我与AI共赴未来 | 黄今来 | TEDxXuhui Youth扑满，一个来自温州、即将上二年级的小朋友，用他的童真和勇气，讲述了自己和 AI 一起把“不可能”变成“可能”的故事。从帮助爸爸追回被骗的钱、到用 AI 读懂谢灵运的诗书、再到凭作品成为温州学传播大使，甚至推动世界人工智能大会修改入场规则——扑满用稚嫩的声音证明，AI不是大人的专利，更是每个孩子都能掌握的超级力量在他眼中，AI未来会成为人类的“汪汪队”，而他的梦想，就是成为一名 AI 实验员，守护人类的未来。一起来听听这位可爱的小演讲者，如何用 AI 点亮童年的奇思妙想！ 扑满（黄今来），五岁AI时代原住民，用口述日记和AI创作记录从幼儿园到小学的成长生活。他不仅是记录者，更是探索者和提问者，童声讲述与AI共创的未来。作为温州学传播大使和AIGC公益讲师，他在多场国际会议和社区活动分享孩子与AI的温柔联结。公众号“扑满的杂记团”像一本智能时代的童年日记，展现AI如何陪伴童年成长。 This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 21:14给每颗星星都写一本书：少年情怀，探索不息 | 潘亮 | TEDxXuhui Youth童书作家潘亮在演讲中带领观众展开一场穿越宇宙的想象之旅。从蝴蝶星云到黯淡蓝点，他用孩子们天马行空的画作与科学家的天文视角巧妙对照，告诉我们：探索不仅是科学家的使命，更是每个少年与生俱来的“超能力”！在无边的星空下，我们虽如尘埃般渺小，却因想象力、好奇心与勇气，而变得无比强大。愿每个少年，都能奔赴属于自己的星辰大海。 儿童文学作家，自幼受郑渊洁影响，立志为少年写作，用故事陪伴孩子认识世界、激发想象力。他擅长将科学与幻想融合，作品情节紧凑，兼具知识性与趣味性，代表作有《太空少年》《王者大陆历险记》等。作为中国天文学会会员，潘亮关注科学前沿，致力于儿童文学与科普教育融合，推动少儿阅读生态建设。多次获全国优秀畅销书奖和少儿星云奖，是儿童科幻文学的重要代表。他相信文学是激发孩子探索世界的钥匙。 This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 12:59Build the Tools You Need: Harnessing LLMs for Business Success | Adam Chen | TEDxCSTUIn this insightful TEDx Talk, Adam Chen—General Manager at Analogix and an MIT-trained engineer with over 30 years in the semiconductor industry—shares how non-coders can harness AI tools to boost productivity. Having helped bring multiple startups to success while holding several patents, Adam brings deep experience spanning engineering, marketing and global strategy to this practical guide. He walks through step-by-step methods anyone can follow, from turning chats into insights to building custom web apps for ROI analysis and data conversion. Whether managing semiconductor costs or streamlining workflows, this talk shows how AI can be your smartest intern. Passionate about making advanced tech accessible, Adam proves you don't need to speak Python to leverage AI's power.Event: TEDxCSTU Date: May 18th, 2025 Location: California Science & Technology University (CSTU) Website: https://www.cstu.edu?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=tedx2025&utm_term=adam_chenSpeaker: Adam Chen Learn more about the speaker: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-chen-a2740b/ Speaker’s channel: https://www.youtube.com/@adamchen6001Organizer: Leni Jin, Organizer of TEDxCSTU Behind the scenes of TEDxCSTU: Stories & notes: https://lenijin.com/tedx More about the organizer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lenijin/ Organizer's channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Leni_JinPlease note: This talk was recorded at TEDxCSTU, an independently organized TEDx event hosted at California Science and Technology University under a license from TED. The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the speaker and do not necessarily represent those of TEDxCSTU, the university, or TED.#TEDx #TEDxTalk #AIForEveryone #FutureOfWork #Innovation #ProductivityWithAI #NonCoders #Leadership #DigitalTransformation #AccessibleAI #TEDxCSTU2025 Adam Chen is General Manager at Analogix, where he leads their display IC business. With over 30 years in the semiconductor industry, Adam has helped bring multiple startups to success, holds several patents, and has deep experience spanning engineering, marketing, and global strategy. An MIT-trained engineer, he’s passionate about making advanced tech—like AI—accessible to non-technical professionals. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
