Last month I had the enjoyable challenge of writing and giving a talk for TEDxRainier (a conference that encourages creative, outside-the-box thinking). I’ve long respected the TED organization as a great forum involving smart and thoughtful people. So this experience — like giving a talk to a Mensa group — had me a bit more nervous than usual. But once I got going, it was a joy. This talk was given to a full auditorium in Kane Hall at the University of Washington. It’s a 20-minute distillation of the 75-minute talk I give around the country. As I review this video, I realize that, cutting my message down to just 20 minutes is a classic example how — from a teaching point of view — less can be more. I hope you enjoy this chance for me to make the case that thoughtful travel is a wise investment of time and money.
If you can’t see the video below, watch it on YouTube.
I love TED! Congrats on giving such a lively and inspirational talk.
Rick Steves does a very good job on this presentation to a sympatico audience. I wonder how well he would be received in the less well traveled and under informed populations of smaller towns and cities across the U.S. Would they be less polite? More skeptical? Would they feedback their own views? Would they be less inclined to even turn out for his events? Is this same attitude reflected in the in the demographics of his book sales? In a nation of 350 million citizens of which there are only a maximum of 140 million voters in any given election cycle, I feel we are destined to remain at odds for generations on the very issues Rick Steves talks about.
I think Rick needs to work on new material. I guess it works if you have not heard him speak before but some of the material is starting to age.
If you have seen him more than once you notice he keeps repeating the same stories. I really think it is time to drop “Zee feet of angels story” that one is particularly old.
Still love Rick but would like to hear “new” travel stories more than the same old stuff.
Agree that this had a recycled feel. Also suspect a TED audience is better traveled than a generic “average American” audience, and perhaps with a number of immigrants as well.
Rick has been rehashing the same ‘progressive’ talking points for years now. While the US approach to many of the issues he references haven’t produced very good results, I find it interesting the he neglects to acknowledge that the Europeans have gone broke providing and promising services that they cannot pay for.
To clarify, I agree with Rick 90% of the time, he just needs new material.
Europeans may be broke trying to provide services, America is broke providing none.
I think we ALL can learn about life and one another when we travel. I make a point to “mix with the locals” whether traveling at home or abroad. Whether or not you agree with Rick’s politics, or the opinions of others around the world, you can’t argue that he hits salient points about learning about other peoples’ points of view, and traveling certainly can help that.
Whether or not we all “kum bay yah”, or not, after meeting people who share different beliefs from ours, I just find it fascinating listening to others share their stories. Perhaps it’s the Irish heritage I have, but I know that I am who I am, in part, because I love engaging in conversation with people who have something to say.
Keep on keepin’ on, Rick Steves!
While I rarely agree with Ricks politics, I do find him to be a thought provoking individual, and actually agree with many of the concepts put forth in this video. His stance on drug use makes me wonder if we’ll see him backing Ron Paul? I certainly don’t see Obama out in front on drug legalization!
We have a problem in the US and it is about those who have it all – and the rest of Americans.
While I agree that there are a few who ‘have it all’ the bigger problem is that far too many ‘thought’ they could have it all when they couldn’t afford it. The perils of an instant gratification society!
I really enjoyed this presentation. I have never heard Rick Steves talk before and I appreciated his stories and content. I want to travel so much (planning a huge trip to Europe in 5 years) and I am so happy to have come across Rick’s material and guidance in travelling. Thank you Rick!
” I wonder how well he would be received in the less well traveled and under informed populations of smaller towns and cities across the U.S.” It must be tough for folks like bk to find inferiors to set straight. There is someone who referred to 57 states and the intercontennental railroad. He once said he didn’t speak Austrian and can be reached at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
Travel is great adventure of us,Thoughtful Travel is a Wise Investment of Time and Money.and i love journey,and i want world trip,i like its……
veemoy.com its a portal to provide short term PG,
i hope u visit,
regards,