How do the poor see life? Uneducated, not stupid | Rajen Makhijani | TEDxNTU

In this talk, drawing from his experiences and arguments on elitism, meritocracy and luck; Rajen Makhijani explores how the social class a person is in influences their opinions of themselves and perception of life. He compares how their choices and through the lens of social class it is often misperceived as being 'stupid', they being 'uneducated'.
Mr Rajen Makhijani is a Coach, Consultant, Screenwriter & Social Activist - He describes himself as a ‘soul-in-search’, and a student of life. His clients were from diverse economic backgrounds, from fortune 500 companies to Non Governmental Organisation. A Sir Dorab Tata Scholar, Citibank Leadership Awardee and winner of ‘Wings of Excellence Award’ by the University of St.Gallen, Switzerland.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx

[@bicyclist2]

It's so good to finally see a person who really gets it. There are way too many people who try to talk about poverty who have no real understanding of the poor and the issues they face. God bless. Thanks.

[@rajenmak]

Thank you so much sir. All on a journey. All nibbling away at these big problems with our little teeth.

[@iamasmurf1122]

This is talking about being poor not poverty there is a big difference

[@shnawdude03]

This dude is blowing my mind. congrats dude.

[@rajenmakhijani8668]

Very kind of you sir.

[@michellebranson5932]

You poor thing. Your jealousy prevents you from being grateful for the few people in the world who care.

[@TheRedstar212]

True. but you still have to respect that much

[@bumcheek7]

+mrninninnin Laughable. He isn't going back to the gutter of Calcuta, GE and his boyfriend are going for sushi after...fukusushi.....

[@wisdomclasses6669]

This is what called a TED Talk. A man of great deeds not mare ideas. Love to see such a person like you dear.

[@rajenmakhijani8668]

Thank you for your generosity sir.

[@AlessandroFerrandoBCN]

I liked his Han Solo outfit, great inspiring talk too

[@MariaKostyukova]

Ok it’s one of the best TED talks I’ve ever seen hands down

[@rajenmakhijani8668]

Thank you for your generosity.

[@a.a.5880]

So much wisdom presented in 18 minutes. There are people who don't reach this point at the age of 70

[@jacquelineworthington9585]

Inspiring and articulately expressed presentation. Thank you

[@rajenmak]

Very kind of you ma'm

[@meetagupta9918]

Really inspiring and genuine talk on how to take off our glasses and look at the other us. What you've done is really commendable Rajen. Kudos to you.

[@rajenmakhijani8668]

Thank you so much Meeta.. Really appreciate!

[@ChandranshuDwivedi]

its very easy to talk about poor and equally hard to do anything about it. good to know Rajen is actually committed in his mission. atleast he has a mission in his life.

[@taraksgoradia]

Absolutely brilliant! It opened up a whole new perspective for many of us. After conquering the fundamental needs of resources and security, as we run around looking for 'relevance', this talk provides a pointer.

[@rajenmak]

Thank you Tarak! Learnt a lot from your real and big moves to 'The Other Side'

[@niakum]

Great talk Rajen on how poverty affects choices

[@sujaynair4666]

This talk is criminally underrated! Yes, perhaps the global poverty scale is decreasing, but truly influencing people to move out into the world and really explore the day to day experiences, is the most life changing and meaningful way toward eventual action - by truly understanding those you are trying to help.

[@EshaClabil]

Oooh!! I can only imagine the kind of preparation that took! What an inspiring talk!! More power to you and your ilk!

[@rajenmakhijani8668]

Thank you so much for the warm words of encouragement.

[@zurichkunst3615]

Eye opening and Transformational. One of the best TED talks ever.

[@akshobhgiridharadas4560]

Rajen, brilliant talk! Glad you came for my party. Never know where the next opportunity comes from.

[@boi-xu6zd]

I just realised how beautiful an opportunity I have got. Thank you for openning my eyes. Thankyou

[@saahilsethi]

Absolutely amazing and inspiring talk Rajen !!! If all of us could step out of our safe zone and go out into this world to help others, the world would certainly be a much better place !

[@rajenmak]

Just by saying that you already did dear Saahil! Because the universe conspires to give us what we want. And it already has perhaps begun preparations for you.. .You have been one of the kindest and most earnest I have met...

[@newtothedomain]

I wish I could give this a bunch of more 'likes'. Thank you for this.

[@rajenmakhijani8668]

Thank you. Thank you. I can certainly give many thank you's :-)

[@datalicious43]

Just brilliant.. one of the best talks so far in my life.. Thank you

[@LivingDead53]

We have an interesting culture. I had a lot of socioeconomic problems growing up, and it made me crazy. I was so stressed. I had a horrible frame of reference. Personal prison. I have a relative who was in bad poverty, and she doesn't have psychological issues whatsoever.

[@jakeornot6306]

No one knows why one person does better than another in the same situation . The important thing is not to become resentful of those that do ok.

[@MsLucia4179]

Jakeornot Actually I would argue that a person's perception and how they view the world around them is exactly how one person can do better/worse then another.

[@MsLucia4179]

@Goldie O That still doesn't negate what I said. Your perception, while similar to viewpoint, is still not the same thing. You perceive that you've been shot down by horrible support systems, the reality may be different in that you have just made poor choices based on poor decisions. Not saying that's the case but rather an example. Perception is what you think vs reality while viewpoint is how you see the world. So, while some has a poor perception and viewpoint of the world they will be more likely to focus on the negative while someone with a more positive outlook while try to focus on seeing the silver linings and good points to take away from a bad situation. It's easier to focus on the bad and the negative, it takes real strength and courage to focus on the positive, even in a bad situation. It's how a person can learn and evolve to something better then they were before. If you keep looking at horrible support systems, then that's all you'll get. Also, it may take several no's before you get a yes. Successful people face setbacks too, they just don't let it define them and will strive to master their goals.

[@Jraymiami]

Wow!!!! An amazing human being 🙏🏻 ...a real life superhero!!!

[@rajenmak]

Thank you for your kind words. May I have the courage to grow into being worthy of these words.

[@johngablesmith4671]

This is the most amazing TED talk I have ever watched.

[@varuno7560]

Is he a professor? I want to listen him more.

[@kevinchauhan7]

Great talk. I am amazed with this guys love for his fellow humans.

[@rajenmakhijani8668]

That is one of the kindest compliments .. it is very much an end destination, and I am far from it. Hence exploring!

[@user-ob6ew5rn1k]

You may not know basic knowledge but you know what is good and not that's enough

[@asyrafmangsor267]

You're so inspiring ! Thanks for the wonderful talk. Truly a mind opener.

[@rajenmak]

Thank you!

[@anant088]

Thank you for this inspirational talk. I have also experienced life on the other side and I personally think that you are spot on with your perspective. Fortunately, i'm (financially) better off today, and sincerely wish more people would realize and value the comfortable life they are spoonfed.

[@arjunagarwal5692]

I agree with you! You are great!

[@rajenmak]

Thank you Arjun for your kind words.

[@NEWGREATNESS]

these ted talks really make me think about things I don't normally think about. Thank you for sharing you experiences and perspectives. I really want to make a difference in the world. i feel like helping people is a great way to help yourself and get to know yourself better. Appreciating life will help you achieve happiness.. The concept of other self was really interesting. I will never think about a "cup of tea" the same ever again now. Thank you, very impactful.

[@rajenmakhijani8668]

Thank you Aldric. I must admit I too only still in search of the 'Other Self" occassionally being able to see a fleeting glimpse of it in the other. But yes, I must say I have begun to enjoy tea, and fortunately I can do so along with insurance!

[@adamkunzun]

Aldric Williams thank you for UR change of mind towards positive approaches towards humanity.

[@jakeornot6306]

The TED people know their audience well. Sounds good - means nothing. This is always for elites to make themselves feel better about how they, in fact, interact with people who are not. It is never the case that you are as I am, or vice versa.

[@teachingvalues6258]

Jakeornot - How many other absolutes and negatives ("never the case", "means nothing", "who are not") can you offer that prevent you (us) from thinking? So far you are averaging one per sentence!

[@jakeornot6306]

If what you perceive as absolutes and negatives prevents you, or others from independent thought, it is then clearer why individuals are so enchanted by TED talks.

[@sarahmayola7727]

this is my favourite talk here in TED

[@mohammedkhabori7832]

Really good sir Rajen. Thanks for sharing your experience with us.

[@rajenmak]

Thank you sir! Very kind of you.

[@liascully4661]

Love this!!

[@zamoblacktiger]

Best Ted speaker I have ever watched. Very deep very sensible very informative and very liberating. God Bless you brother.

[@rajenmak]

How kind of you!

[@captainteamcarry3]

Pure gold.

[@yourfuturedocburenbeiya]

Amazing and very well presented!! Thank you for understanding. Unlike most privileged, you actually get it!

[@rajenmakhijani8668]

Thank you for your generosity Farida

[@LaShawnLatera]

Very thought provoking

[@rebeccastack8459]

Thank you, well spoken.

[@limmingming4022]

Thank you for helping me to express WHY I do not buy Insurance... so that it helps me to be aware of my own action is daily food n activities..those "to do" n "not to do" that builts up to keep me " healthy" when I feel that I'm not healthy, I watch what I hv been eating or how I take stress... n I internally educate myself.... the more we rely on insurance...it helps us to neglect ourselves.... n at the end we pay to weakened our health....

[@roaringbanjara9014]

Wow, what a great man , opened my eyes ,god bless u

[@rajenmakhijani8668]

Thank you for your kindness.

[@wastbs]

That is real depth of thought.

[@GUPRPEET-Singh]

Great talk really ...awesome...thank you sir

[@tonymontana09876]

This is so deep.

[@alisiamiller3750]

I have grown up in the cup of tea society and lived in it so much that I need insurance. This is a great talk and you are to be thanked for caring about the poor. You realize what REALLY goes on in so many peoples lives.

[@rajenmakhijani8668]

Thank you!

[@luqmaanladane40]

Well prepared lecture! Thank you man.

[@saugataroy3918]

Great and meaningful concept Rajen Sir.

[@LemmingAttack]

Talks by rich people are fascinating, because often they're composed of information that I know inside and out. I have never bought private insurance for myself, and I probably never will. I can't wait for the revolution.

[@JoseJavierRR315]

Amazing presentation! 👌

[@mrnarason]

Great speaker and talk

[@troybraganza4559]

Amazing talk! Amazing man!

[@epcphelan]

This guy is phenomenal.

[@rawloke8334]

Very enlightening!

[@ruthkinoti5469]

Woow!!! this a great presentation great lessons! Keep up!!!

[@BlackPanther-rn9vf]

Great Speech ! Bravo

[@teresarossi9392]

you have so opened my mind - please do more Ted Talks

[@leeluhbee]

One of the most meaningful Ted talks I’ve ever watched.

[@rajenmakhijani8668]

Thank you!

[@urvashisharma4254]

Wow! One of the few men able to say truth so well that it engaged audience. I hope he maintains the integrity that he has and does not become one of the ones in SUV’s and helicopter and compromising the gift.

[@1949AKN]

Bravo ! Well done Rajen !

[@Fazlulkader]

Excellent

[@gadaakhil]

If you take out the glasses of the class that you come from, you will find that other is just like you. Thats the key..

[@rajenmakhijani8668]

Thanks Akhil!

[@motherintoronto]

And those of us born straddling class lines? This entire talk felt incredibly obvious.

[@LemmingAttack]

Sorry, no That's what people who come from higher classes say to try to pacify the poor without actually doing something tangible.

[@estuardoestrada410]

I'd like to thank you for this presentation. It was an inspiration and an eye-opener for me to make a few adjustemts in my life for the better. I also captuerd other positive things that you did not say: Your (sincerity) and (honesty) was superb, and it speaks volumes. Good luck!

[@rajenmakhijani8668]

Estuardo, you are kind! Thats something that you too did not say, but is evident :-)

[@SOMARAOK0408]

One of the best Talks..

[@rajenmakhijani8668]

Thank you!

[@heatherkeeping8972]

Bravo!!! THANK YOU

[@rajenmakhijani8668]

Thank you!

[@sacredflames07]

Where is this man I would love to be his disciple and obey his orders ...this brother is a true God sent Angel...

[@andreiamuhitu159]

This is eye opening.

[@rajenmakhijani8668]

Thank you!

[@tracydurso228]

Thank you for this helpful and magnificent presentation about a man and his colleagues whom are doing to do good fir people in great need!

[@princesslaurice4428]

Powerful

[@dpksunaria]

Wow!

[@jovdonatus4532]

Just Perhaps, one day the poor shall revolt. Good bless you sir for revealing the truth.

[@Star-vg7ix]

Excellent lecture

[@rajenmakhijani8668]

Thank you!

[@bakkudeku]

The first thing to know about capitalism should be that the sole purpose of a business is making money. Any other purpose that might be attained with a business is secondary, optional, and just-for-show. The ideal world of capitalism is a centralist state run by business, for the benefit of business, and overstepping anything that might even slightly tribulate the routine carrying out of well-advantageous, far-reaching, highly-effective, and exceptionally profitable business. There's no point in even trying to fix it. We should start over again by thinking of reorganising society without even resorting to fluctuant, cumulative, and concentrative currency. We need to rethink the value of stuff. Why would a diamond have possibly more value than an apple? You can't eat a diamond, it won't protect you from cold, there's no value to it, except that which humans have agreed on: that it is more valuable than an apple, a tree, you, me, anything! We should rethink what we actually value, and if we come to realise that it's love, peace, community, happiness, health, freedom, kindness, friendship, and endurance, then we could start by recognising that a diamond is not valuable at all.

[@Adrian-dl9nb]

Edward Soares I agree with you, but since that's not going to happen anytime soon, we need to adapt our lifestyles to make it happen without changing the entire world. We can't just start a global revolution. And even though I get your point, you should know that diamond has plenty of uses, it is an amazing material.

[@bakkudeku]

"A diamond [is not valuable at all]" was mostly rhetorical. Of course, a diamond has value, it's hard to even imagine something completely devoid of value, and as a material/resource for S&T, it's pretty useful. But to put an absurdly huge monetary label on even a few grams of a mineral, that's absurd and disproportionate to what utilitarian value a diamond might possess, which is rather representative of what capitalism does. We know it's not gonna happen any time soon - or ever, maybe a dystopic world awaits humanity in a few decades from now, maybe some copy of a III Reich will arise from the ashes of the European Union and the U.S., to engulf the world in televised, industrial extermination camps, where people would be forced to either fight to the death, to the cheers of a frenzied "bread and circus" crowd, or suffer a slow, painful death by misery, disease, crime, pollusion, and starvation. Maybe that, maybe not. Future looks bleak today...

[@bumcheek7]

We're all going to have to learn to be Amish sooner or later, because if we get a CME or our grid gets zapped by one of those high tech psychotronic weapons - pulse deal - everything that has a chip in it will become useless.,planes dropping out of the sky.

[@dawna4185]

...well said

[@twistedlight9750]

One correction: The ideal world of capitalism is actually a decentralized state. Ideal business doesn't have government in its business, except as a consumer.

[@Kruffy]

incredible enlightening talk and he just began ... blowing my mind

[@rajenmakhijani8668]

Thank you Kareem for the kind words.

[@nidheeshg7736]

❤

[@soorajnair150]

Wow! 👌👌👌👌

[@rajenmakhijani8668]

Thank you!

[@soorajnair150]

@@rajenmakhijani8668 sir you are so modest you took your precious time to thank me! 😊😊😊

[@TopsideCrisis346]

Those who have opportunity, do well to create opportunity.

[@kevinwhite8759]

My Episcopal Bishop once told me I think like a poor man, many years later clarified he meant that as a compliment. Liar, he was saying you will never achieve anything in this Church because you don't fit in with our thing. I do think like a poor man and that is because I grew up poor and now am not. I live and work among the poor. I found my best self working in Morocco yet called back to America to work during this epidemic let's see if I learned anything.

[@chicomendez3720]

Well said !! And so very true ! I didn't grow up in poverty...but with just the basics,now I have a good job enough to live comfortable.I save money when work is good.The problem I have is I wish some times I could invest my money but how? I don't have that much but it would be good if I could make some profit with my savings.But I lack the business knowledge and education and for that reason I don't trust banks nor their business advisers,

[@mupercy1]

I feel like crying...oohh

[@rajenmakhijani8668]

Hope I am not misunderstanding you, and this is compliment. In that case, thank you. And even if you meant it otherwise, well, thank you for engaging!

[@username6135]

If someone is poor they are necessarily uneducated?

[@aiexperiments43]

Philosophy BA your wrong, that works in your country

[@cohencyrus5337]

🤣😂😂 kahuma you are speaking onbehal of uganda .you are totally right ..

[@alexcarter8807]

Education is expensive in the US, for instance. Elementary and high schools that actually teach you things are only in rich neighborhoods. And college requires huge amounts of debt. It's possible to read books on your own, but books are expensive, libraries have turned late fees into a profit center, and poor neighborhoods are not exactly awash in books.

[@juanmanuelmartinbufajer9219]

This man has a higher vision of life that must of us dont have!

[@rajenmakhijani8668]

This is incredibly kind but a statement I'd say I'd respectfully disagree with. I have seen turnarounds for the better from people I least expected. I think the spark is in all of us. Its just hidden. Hopefully we get onto journeys that help us unravel it!

[@jakeornot6306]

No. He doesn't. Don't buy into this.

[@hillsxiang8680]

You can live and learn but never feel you know everything

[@varuno7560]

poor should exists because our economy need them. poor do not really need business tycoons but the tycoons need them as their resources.

[@TimSlee1]

Yeah, because over population, polluting water ways and a lack of clean drinking water and food are all good things.

[@bepishombre8999]

So let's just protest and ask for higher wages, just so unemployment rises.

[@elizabethk3238]

Who defines the meaning of 'poor?' I am a retired professional living on half the income I had while employed. I am living the best life I ever. After volunteering in West Africa for a year, I returned to Toronto, and simplified my life. I don't believe in happiness as a long-term state...instead I believe in contentment, and being grateful. 70-years-old, (pain and meds-free) and you couldn't pay me to go back...

[@TrulyStupidNewb]

When I tell people I actually don't want to be rich or win the lottery, people look at me as if I'm crazy. What if not wanting to win the lottery was the rational choice?

[@socratesagain7822]

Money, a parasite magnet. Especially among folks who've never had any...The wealthy get money and invest it in money-making/commodity-producing properties. The poor get money and acquire stuff they see the wealthy own, believing they emulate the wealthy, in order to "feel" wealthy... Talk about a lower class-based delusion. "The poor spend their idle hours desiring to be rich. The rich never spend their idle moments desiring to be poor..."Be well.

[@chrismoderate3495]

My dad talked with me about buying houses the other day. He told me that if I want to end up as successful as him than I should get a house and rent it out. I don't see why. You are just using the fact you purchased the house earlier to get someone to pay you more. You dont need to be that wealthy and own half a dozen houses.

[@earlwilliams5473]

The more you can live without the more you'll have and the less you have to loose.

[@sammyalabamy111]

He is a Saint. Who can do and is willing to do what he does...?

[@reymond1718]

As we entered post modernism, we ourself became consumers of a system build on sociology. It is highly explained to the industrial age of society. Everything can be explained by History. History does repeat itself. Consumerrisme has overtaken os. We are now are in a state of society where consumerism (facebook, youtube, instagram....) Has been able to institutinanise and become the place where we practice our values. We now recieve values from these firms, it has become our media. All i am saying is that this is very interresting. This is only my different thinking from past oberservations to produce a different outcome. Please do not let your talent slip: Especially if you are from a high context, individualistic, status orientated society. It is common that people lie to each other. Every person acts in self interrest. Do not let the hidden talent stay in your head, take a step. People are not to be labeled, that is what is wrong but needed with the theories. - Clasification to bread specialitation and increase welfare outcome is how the modern society, is the line of thinking we have now. - It is wrong. Every human is made of matter. Every matter can be unpredictable. Do not copy thoughts, that will lead to the same creativity/output. [Observation - Thinking - Output/Creativity]. Cheers.

[@citizenOfNowhere777]

I was already seeing the way he sees about the creation between higher GDP and happiness

[@elliottroca]

12:00 🙌🏼god and youth

[@muhammadbelanawanes.2418]

Wonderful and inspiring talk! Is there any way that I can get the powerpoint slides he uses? Much appreciated.

[@rajenmak]

I'd be happy to share if you share your email id.

[@mrvlhs]

I, I, I, I, I, I... We get it speaker, you're amazing

[@Mad_S]

I'd really like to know how i see life.

[@aishwaryasonthalia1616]

All the running around you do, is to find the more empowerful engaged you.

[@AnilMishra-eu6jd]

TERRIFIC! Every one of us needs to carry the TORCH around. Very well conceptualized mission!

[@rajenmak]

Thank you. Very much a Work -in - Progress :-)

[@SHANSHOW-]

no Merit no Luck , money begits money . Simple . no matter from Which angle you try to see this is Truth . nepotisme , favoritism , . you cant underdtand until you face the same situation .

[@karadianiko1442]

This was excellent, up until the point he encouraged individuals to have children.

[@erlingandersen8008]

you are right. part of solutien is free educatien and healtcare are free to everybody

[@najumaibrahim]

Speechless.....I too want to take off my glasses of class..... actually..... I have already taken it off.... The other you wants empathy not sympathy....

[@markdemell8056]

The Book of James is a Book I recommend!

[@adavidbujanda]

I saw debt and luck

[@dawna4185]

how do we class character? why does this not factor into determining a persons worth? such a superficial society