An ode to living on Earth | Oliver Jeffers

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If you had to explain to a newborn what it means to be a human being living on Earth in the 21st century, what would you say? Visual artist Oliver Jeffers put his answer in a letter to his son, sharing pearls of wisdom on existence and the diversity of life. He offers observations of the "beautiful, fragile drama of human civilization" in this poetic talk paired with his original illustrations and animations.
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[@jasoncourrau]

"If earth is the only place where people live, is actually the least lonely place in the universe. There are plenty of people to be love by, and plenty of people to love." that was the most beautiful thing i ever heard. Thank you Oliver for those words

[@calliopemuse6311]

"By drawing lines in the sky we've attempted to make sense of chaos, and by drawing lines on the earth we've tried to determine where we belong and where we don't; but they're all just stories." People live here. So poetic. ❤️

[@visitor103]

11 minutes passed by his captivating voice and he delivers the most wonderful message in this time of crisis. " we need each other more than ever before"

[@0cards0]

so? what exactly did you learned from it? didnt we know already we need each other? pointless vid.

[@huzaifahahmedqureshi5214]

@@0cards0 Not necessarily, just I guess to know it better

[@theaveragesinger]

@@0cards0 You just did the opposite, what video conveyed. And I did it too I guess. So Sorry :)

[@0cards0]

@@theaveragesinger no i didn't.

[@theaveragesinger]

@@0cards0 Good for you👍

[@Genivian]

can I just say, other than the fact that this was fantastic and really needed in the world right now, I really want his cardigan?

[@allyk1933]

Michael Gierczak oh my god I thought I was the only one... it looks so comfy lol

[@violingardenacademy]

What a beautiful message! Thank you for spreading the love🙏🌸🦋

[@dyrim3492]

I never knew I needed a cardigan I can wear to work and go to bed in.

[@fernandaortiz5617]

Me too!! 😍

[@katarinajanoskova]

That was gorgeous. Thank you. Yes, people live here. It's time we look after this beautiful place rather than try to conquer it.

[@thomasmarten9634]

Amen! Let us take care of the Earth and everything on it!❤🌟❤

[@kristiandent1798]

Well done ted for such a host. ‘We are here’ sits proudly on my bookshelf. It’s such a beautiful journey. Edit: I live here, too

[@eirenwhelan3312]

How this video was animated scripted and produced since the outbreak is incredible. A lot of graft, thank you Ted. Beautiful.

[@kellybishop7238]

Oliver Jeffers is wonderful!

[@maryamnasir3019]

‘we’re the civilisation of stories. we’re the stories we tell and the stories we’re told’

[@nathangregory_]

I love Jeffers's perspective of who we are and the place that we all come from. Very talented individual.

[@kriselloise]

This is beautiful, profoundly beautiful 🥺❤️🌷

[@_marx]

I really truly hope more and more people will learn these things and old ways will pass sooner than later

[@greggydy6055]

Never have I realised how far i only make myself from others. Good host TED, the message was moving as i stare on his eyes.

[@werami9126]

thank you, just thank you, we need more people like this to speak up

[@janehowlett5158]

“With the wheels of progress going silent, We have the wildest of opportunities to press the reset button, and take a different path.”- Oli Jeffers my hero

[@jaelee4244]

I don't think I've ever looked up at the night sky without feeling so very small.

[@PsychoSocialCreation]

The instilation creates so much more intelligence in the world and a depiction of how the earth forms 💕✨

[@amjkodaz]

These are the only words for how amazing this was...just wow.

[@hemalpatel1170]

V nice! One important message I'd like to pass is 'There is only one Earth. There is nothing else. So it's v important for the preservation of that which remains rather than the replacement of what's missing or gone. There's been too much regression in the name of politics + business, but you won't know. Because over a grandeur scale, nothing matters YET over a personal scale, everything matters (even as little as the amount of sugar we put in tea, or soda in whiskey or the intensity/authenticity of our smiles or the firmness/tone of our voices or the depths of our longings or the evil in our eyes & more). There won't be another Earth. Time to change the basics!"

[@NancyinRedHeels]

This is so beautiful, I left speechless...

[@indianaparkwarsproductions9513]

This has inspired me. I started writing ideas for a new film. It's not really related to what he's talking about, but he inspired me to get my creative thoughts out into words. I feel pretty pumped right now

[@JJs_playground]

Great message to remind our selves, especially in these time. *SHARE* don't hoard.

[@chevyboy9525]

A significant bed-time story about our planetary existence for adults, especially the academic elites. Salute to this great work!

[@lisamckay6355]

Love, kindness and yes we all live here on earth which needs our love and gratitude.. To take care of Mother earth, reset outdated systems and take care of each other.

[@NFarnia7]

Amazing 👏 We're all in the same boat on the same planet.. we just have to be kind & love one another... ❤ Thanks for this reminding! 😊

[@jisf2008]

What a beautiful and wise words you say here Oliver... hats off!

[@secretsbox123]

ived well, laughed often, and loved much; Who has enjoyed the trust of pure women, the respect of intelligent men and the love of little children; Who has filled his niche and accomplished his task; Who has never lacked appreciation of Earth's beauty or failed to express it; Who has left the world better than he found it, Whether an improved poppy, a perfect poem, or a rescued soul; Who has always looked for the best in others and given them the best he had; Whose life was an inspiration; Whose memory a benediction.

[@Theartofattention]

Indeed, earth day is not only about trees and the environment, also also us PEOPLE. We cohabit this place we all call home, and we are able to make it a better place. Thank you for the beautiful video.

[@janewolfe9137]

I love his heart & his brain! Thank you Mr Jeffers.

[@HikmetKadir]

And part time English teacher in Korea. I enjoy your books especially "Here we are" It's my favorite.. And this week I had a chance to read the story of Fausto. I saw the cover marblings and so impressed. Love it! Thank you for being a part of my life! And hope to see you somewhere soon!

[@Lia-K]

This is so nice and his voice is so soothing to listen to, I got goosebumps all over my body the whole time and I had tears in the corners of my eyes that didn't want to fall because it was so nice to watch they didn't want to blur my view and it makes me feel so calm, oh how I love this life and our little buddy called Earth. 💙💚🤍

[@elisalegni98]

Dear Oliver, since my translation dissertation in 2009 I've been a great fan of your work and you keep impressing me in new ways, you're doing a great job! Great video!

[@stephaniemartin1895]

Amazing Oliver Jeffers! A truly inspiring author and illustrator for all ages (young and old alike). His works encourage the human race to question our ways and be more mindful of our choices. My favourite quote from 'An ode to living on Earth', "We have the wildest of opportunities to hit the reset button." In my opinion we have to change for the better good (of everyone) learn from our mistakes and move forward for every living thing to "Share the Planet" in harmony. Equally, inclusively, honestly, without judgement and with tolerance for each other in all respects. We need to prioritise looking after our Planet Earth and all of the precious living things arounds us. Stop fighting, settle differences amicably, value each other and protect our Earth now and for future generations.

[@jamiehay1027]

Happy Earth Day everyone

[@ninobedijn8519]

What a profound way of looking at our lives, thanks for the taughts. I will remember this

[@spiritofcoco]

Wow, this was beautiful. Feels like I am loving every creature and every plant even more!

[@cosmiccreator]

*This was profoundly beautiful!* ♥_♥

[@arpankanungo8688]

I already feel loved. But I watched it in the morning.

[@vishank7]

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.💎

[@milissaragou1412]

That was just beautiful. Your kids are so lucky to have you as a Dad!

[@TheMUZZWELL]

Greetings I am an Earthling

[@nenadzin3147]

Hello, nice to meet you

[@phineas9809]

greetings fellow hooman I too partake in earthy activities

[@cwossunt]

I am an earthling too! 😭

[@nadeen1111]

Okay this was STUNNING. bringing the magic back into our lives. Offering a new perspective on life, if we'd only just reach out and take it. Thank you Oliver Jeffers. This is really inspiring!

[@silascochran9705]

Excellent I wish more people understood because they're already looking for another planet and they're not going to find it if they do they won't make it life is here life is now

[@claudiavega8337]

Thank you for this beautiful video! I bought "Here We Are" a few years ago, and enjoyed it so much! Yesterday I got The Heart and the Bottle. So many thanks for your work...it is so inspiring and poetic.

[@gilliantrainor4593]

Wonderful, and very soothing at this very troubled time when the world feels in turmoil. We all live on earth, we all need each other. We need to look after the earth, and look after each other. Sounds so simple yet proves so difficult. Thank you Oliver for this thought provoking talk.

[@IsaacCGuevara]

This was great! I appreciate your acknowledgement of the fact that we own nothing and everything will continue on even if we weren't around. It's really humbling. #HitTheRestart #IMissPeople

[@shresthachowdhury1770]

Beautifully said!

[@annsmahboob3495]

We have a lot of rivers and mountains and all sorts of structures here on earth. You guys should come visit.

[@andreysimonov1667]

I appreciate your help! 🌎 That's where People Live. Love & Gratitude with balanced.

[@Sweetsluv]

Well said..simply lovely and intuitive!🥰

[@lisageiger9021]

Beautiful and touching on so many levels, including artistically. Thank you for your gift.

[@ishwaritank]

Excellent! 👏👏👏🤗 Thank you! 😇

[@arokiarajmic8401]

m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/p6iUpnWVpp6IrZI கேளுங்கள் Try To Watch It Iswari Tank

[@sudarshan4093]

Nice explanation sir about our lovely earth

[@sbasv]

Very creative drawings. Also, his narrative is refreshing. Good work!

[@Noise-Bomb]

A great video with a great massage!

[@crystalelk]

Thank you Oliver.. I enjoyed your talk! Sendlng positive vibes your way. Peace love dreams. 🇨🇦 💞🌐📷📽️⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐🌅🌏💜🌎🧡🌍🌄✌️💗🐑🎬😉

[@marihaijaz5374]

i wish more people would watch this :(

[@jatin2302]

Beautiful

[@whoska1to]

that was beautiful i left speechless

[@shannonfurlotte3107]

Beautiful!! ❤

[@Pilbaran00b]

Wow, awesome video. Thank you

[@sugarfreee]

Beautiful talk!

[@eleanam4835]

I want to cry😭😭

[@danielarodrigues8696]

Beautiful ✨❤️

[@p100yanov]

Bravo!

[@cch5ng]

the speaker's name sounded so familiar, I had to look it up on his website but years ago read his book, "This Moose Belongs to Me". a good book.

[@yuliyamoscowregion5196]

I liked it so much.! It's like a kind fairy tale for adults and children about our unique and lonely planet where we live.

[@adrianabecerra6248]

Beautiful 🥰

[@wynnl]

I wish I could have seen the installation. I moved from Chelsea 4 years ago. Highline was in my back yard :)

[@timwalterdev]

Poetic!

[@cosmiccreator]

Happy Earth Day my darlings! ♥

[@devilbarata70]

Excellent introduction. Congratulations. :)

[@exploreethan9763]

Happy Earth day y'all

[@mayurbagul1276]

Very nice

[@user-we6is2ec3z]

Very good~

[@dmtutors6497]

Nice ❤

[@adityabagdi1178]

Great video🙂

[@miljasarajka3597]

Globalization politics strategy and anesthesiologists at work... Great work for doing it and this jolly show

[@Joefrogigolo]

This

[@kishorek4701]

No lie I cried watching this

[@igora6367]

yes

[@Jack.333]

Peace & Love No War

[@pauljohnson6377]

Great video.. though around minute 8 I sadly realized an Ordinary Differential Equation about earth wasn’t going to show up

[@buddy77587]

Tell the truth bro! I'm listening

[@amb4377]

Good night!

[@giacomo_sorrentino]

♥️

[@uvatham]

Alone from far away

[@rickykilmer1331]

🖤

[@tushnim_5996]

nice

[@DaximusRavenStrong]

Dope

[@silvia_villasenor]

Lo amo

[@kiikat]

People live here 🙌

[@metallicman711]

brilliant and necessary message but wont get seen by the people that need to see it

[@nenadmarinkovic730]

This is why the internet is great! :)

[@patelsameer7024]

We are earth....folks!!!

[@PaulSmith-pf2uq]

We should ignore multinationals, governments and greedy cretins. We should ignore their fossil fuel, their products and their lack of respect for our Human Rights, our Freedom and Democracy. I'm a ONE MAN ARMY and I fight against all the above. I don't want them, I don't need them and I refuse to buy them. If YOU could become a ONE MAN ARMY and fight against harm, we can make more than 7.000.000.000 armies and win the protection of us Humans, our Earth with it's Flora and Fauna, our clean Air and Waters with everything in them. Please, become a ONE MAN ARMY, today!

[@Noukz37]

We can't just ignore them, but we sure can boycott them friend! They rely on us, for giving them our hard earned money, so when we stop "donating" to them, they lose their power and their hold on us. Every bit of effort, is a good effort! Peace

[@deesee6009]

Of course this is a book for children, the naïveté is cute. I preferred how Sagan said it 40 years ago though.

[@eve7853]

Me too

[@CarolinaCastroParra]

I'd love to create the Spanish captions for this. Can you please allow me to do it?

[@pr_vnn]

Hi mates!

[@gilbertgarcia4106]

Ode to our pale blue dot🌎