How can studying fish teach us how to live? Dr. James C. Liao, a biomechanist and neuroscientist, reveals how the underwater world of fish holds surprising insights into truth, curiosity, and resilience. Through three powerful lessons—from coral reefs to childhood bullying to fishing with his father—Dr. Liao shows how his scientific discoveries mirror human experiences. At the University of Florida, Dr. Liao leads a lab where fish behavior, fluid dynamics, and neuroscience intersect. But it's not just data and experiments that drive his work—it's a deeply personal connection to the animals and environments he studies. Whether it’s parrotfish filtering misinformation, trout finding shelter in turbulence, or a child navigating life through questions, Dr. Liao makes a compelling case that science and life are not separate journeys, but reflections of each other. Dr. Liao challenges us to listen more carefully to others and the natural world—and to trust that the most meaningful breakthroughs often come from curiosity-driven science. In a world that increasingly values deliverables, Dr. Liao argues that open-ended exploration can lead to the most transformative insights, and that a deeper understanding often emerges when we move with the current rather than against it. 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
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