Chris Abani muses on humanity | Video on TED.com

Chris Abani muses on humanity | Video on TED.com: "Chris Abani tells stories of people: People standing up to soldiers. People being compassionate. People being human and reclaiming their humanity. It's 'ubuntu,' he says: the only way for me to be human is for you to reflect my humanity back at me.

About Chris Abani

Imprisoned three times by the Nigerian government, Chris Abani turned his experience into poems that Harold Pinter called 'the most naked, harrowing expression of prison life and political…"

Ken Robinson says schools kill creativity | Video on TED.com

Ken Robinson says schools kill creativity | Video on TED.com: "Sir Ken Robinson makes an entertaining and profoundly moving case for creating an education system that nurtures (rather than undermines) creativity.

About Ken Robinson

Creativity expert Sir Ken Robinson challenges the way we're educating our children. He champions a radical rethink of our school systems, to cultivate creativity and acknowledge multiple types… Full bio and more links"

Dan Barber's foie gras parable | Video on TED.com

Dan Barber's foie gras parable | Video on TED.com

"What one (wo)man can do, all (wo)men can do!"

"By piecing together a complex ecological puzzle, biologist Willie Smits has found a way to re-grow clearcut rainforest in Borneo, saving local orangutans -- and creating a thrilling blueprint for restoring fragile ecosystems."

"Willie Smits has devoted his life to saving the forest habitat of orangutans, the "thinkers of the jungle." As towns, farms and wars encroach on native forests, Smits works to save what is left."

Here is an amazing look at how in relatively short order we can reclaim our lost paradise. In 3 years Smits efforts have accomplished: the return of 137 species of birds, lower air temperature 3 - 5 degrees celsius, rainfall up 25%, 11% more clouds and more--all balms for our ailing, overheating planet. Hear his talk on TED.com to learn more. The possibilities for relearning sustainability are all around us.

Biomimicry - Nature as Model, Measure and Mentor

"Biomimicry is a new discipline that studies nature’s best ideas and then imitates these designs and processes to solve human problems." This is a most exciting concept for learning to once more live in harmony with the natural world. It will truly transform life on our planet. See how you can join in the revolution.

Janine Benyus has a message for inventors: "The more our world functions like the natural world, the more likely we are to endure on this home that is ours, but not ours alone." When solving a design problem, look to nature first. There you'll find inspired designs for making things waterproof, aerodynamic, solar-powered and more. Here she reveals dozens of new products that take their cue from nature with spectacular results. Hear her talk at TED.com. Visit her Biomimicry Institute and Asknature.org.