You Don’t Actually Know What Your Future Self Wants | Shankar Vedantam | TED

[@gurmeetsliet]

Things to do for future self: 1. Stay Curious: Expand your horizon 2. Practice Humility 3. To be Brave: You don't have the capability to do things today, but your future self will have different capabilities.

[@achmadfariz9219]

Thanks fyi

[@evanscooper3780]

thanks for this summary. But how to understand "practice humility"?

[@ashmitapoudel9719]

Just Stay curious Practice humility Be brave Make your future self proud

[@mikester314]

I wish I could get the last 14 minutes of my life back.

[@tobarragl]

I discovered Hidden Brain podcast few weeks ago and I can’t stop listening to it. I truly recommend it. Great content.

[@taofeekat2619]

Who's she? , who made profits for you, am really looking for a pro who can manage my account and make me huge profit

[@tobarragl]

I don’t know much about this investment guru that triggered all these responses to my initial message. However, Hidden Brain… I do recommend it.

[@JohnVincentCMata]

Where I can see this

[@gnobre]

wtf is this thread

[@harperho9158]

I like the concept of the illusion of continuity. Although my problem is that when I think of my future self, I have trouble imagining what she would end up being. I know there are so many possibilities. But the advice provided in the video - stay curious, be brave - can apply to the fear of uncertainty of my future self too

[@fuzzygreen3634]

That was a good one. If you have ever come across comments you wrote on youtube, or in a journal, or elsewhere from 10+ years ago, you know exactly what this guy is talking about. I sometimes stumble on such previously written messages, that no longer align with my thinking at all. It's a strange thing, that my digital ghost and I are not the same, or at least we have significant differences psychologically.

[@DavidOrtiz-jy3co]

Very strange indeed. Also weird to think that my future self will have a different way of thinking than the current me.

[@aphra9625]

It is precisely for this reason that I’m going to actively leave comments on YT videos.. just so that I can come back years later and see how much I’ve changed. Also I like your “digital ghost” phrase, it made me come back to your comment to read it once more.

[@KrinchiD]

Very true. I have noticed the same thing with my old comments.

[@CarlosC0311]

@@KrinchiD hey man, just saw a comment from U like was from 3 years ago saying you couldn’t move on from a relationship that happen a long time ago. How you feeling today? Hope you’re doing ok!

[@KrinchiD]

@Carlos C Hi. Thank you for reaching out. I am doing a lot better today. I recently started dating a really kind and understanding gentleman. It's amazing being able to trust again. He lives far away, so things are going nice and slow, and we are taking the time to really get to know each other. It's really nice.

[@brianmillerspeaks]

I love this so much, on two levels. One, as a speaker and consultant on human connection. Most of my work centers on helping people understand other perspectives. But there's a perspective I never really consider - your own, in the future. And two, as a speaking coach for TED-style presentations. This talk is masterfully crafted and delivered. Perfect example of how to tell stories as a vehicle for an idea, not merely for story's sake.

[@nethmisenadheera4919]

Correct!

[@MoonCrab00]

Stoicism talks about this. Essentially instead of religions devil and angel on your shoulders decided what’s “good” and “bad” based on present culture you ground yourself in reality. Instead you place your 10yr self and your 90yr self on your shoulders. What perspectives do they offer?

[@gregraj]

​@@MoonCrab00excellent point 👌🏻

[@nooder0ni]

This one genuinely deserves more traction. That last note, even on its own, was particularly worthy of applause. Kudos. 👏

[@exethanter6124]

Captivating story: ✅ Compelling problem statement: ✅ Backed by science: ✅ Actionable insights: ✅ "You're going to be a different person sooner than you think. So you might as well be in charge of who you're going to be." Not often do I find a TED talk that gave me chills and lit a fire inside of me at the same time. Saved this in the hope that my future selves will go back to it from time to time.

[@ilikepineapple8579]

Well said!

[@mdjubayerhossen4120]

Captivating story: Compelling problem statement: Backed by science: Actionable insights: "You are going to be a different person sooner than you think .So you might as well as be in charge of who you are going to be " Not offend do I find a TED talk gave me chills and lit a fire inside of me at the same time .Saved this in the hope that my future selves will go back to it from time to time

[@Underwhelming_LDN]

Ted talks are cool because it's someone making a point and then having the platform to explain it WITHOUT being shouted down and disagreed with for likes. I wish more people watched this stuff.

[@AreebIrshadHindi]

One of the most thought-provoking, well-presented and well-crafted TED talks out there!

[@nikitampmaurya]

Completely agree!

[@foodtechsimplified]

Nice @AreebIrshadHindi

[@theoneandonly9298]

Exactly!!!

[@Areeb_Irshad]

Absolutely

[@julierobinson8173]

Love this ❤❤ the unknown and unknowable 1. Stay Curious 2. Remain humble (humility) 3. Be brave Thank you Shankar...I love this talk and have listened to it many times and sent it to my family and friends to watch also ❤❤🙏🏾

[@miteshladani4040]

Everyday we become a new person.

[@liltunafish1471]

Everyday I’m shuffling

[@sakxa1964]

I feel the same every morning.

[@LarsonFilms2]

Except my parents, they never change.

[@悉帅]

如果一个人可能不是以前的你，那信上帝还有意义吗？如何证明现在的你还是从前的你？

[@marcosrivera9709]

@glorytogod7738 d77trt

[@chandratyler9567]

You are one of the most brilliant people I have ever met. I first met you when I picked up your book "The Hidden Brain" by accident and started to read it. Immediately I loved your style of writing and I deduced that you were incredibly brilliant. Today by accident I watched your Ted Talk and was indeed very ecstatic to see you in person, just like I imagined you would look like. Thank you for being the person you are and sharing with us.

[@CollinsTuikong]

What a message! Spend time crafting what you wanna become. 1. Stay curious by expanding your horizon 2. Practice humility 3. Confront opportunities and be brave in them.

[@sophieblooming8555]

Whenever I revisited the timestamped entries I wrote years ago in my diary, I would do an air hug to my younger self for making many choices along the way to pave the road to me today. I know my current self will do the same for the future me. I learned to draw at 31, calculus and coding at 39, belly dance at over 40. I know a lady started taking piano lesson after retirement and she played beautifully in her 80s. So definitely the key to the future is in your hands.

[@wonsunparque]

Wow. One of the best TedTalks I've heard! 1. Curiosity, 2. Humility, 3. Courage.

[@fernandavofchukmarkus2246]

Honestly, one of the best TEDs ever. I'm speechless yet my mind is speeding like crazy.

[@piccolaradge8333]

Agreed! And dito

[@cuteonlinewaifu]

this this thissssss🎉

[@thelifeofahuman3666]

the fact that I am also a 22-year-old electronics engineer who just left her job and now has no idea what the future will look like this talk is like a universe's sign that one is just supposed to move in life with passion and love And one day we will reach a place where we belong.

[@jarabe28]

" I don't have the capacity to do those things today, that doesn't mean I won't have the capacity to those things tomorrow" thank you very much. This is an area where I struggle. I judge myself on my ability now and it's hard to see who and what I will be capable of doing in the future

[@ShalomSimplified]

This makes you wonder about the massive time and money investment into our education when we don't know if our future selves will still want that career. I went to school to become a web developer, and I did learn useful skills, but I never actually worked as one. I didn't even work in the tech industry at all. Little wonder so many people end up feeling "stuck" and having midlife crises. Also wise to rethink any change that would be permanent that your future self may indeed regret. Like permanently altering your body in some way. I enjoyed this presentation and I'll be seriously considering subscribing to his podcast. :)

[@alidmo3262]

haha, I killed myself to study music, only to become a web developer !

[@ShalomSimplified]

@@alidmo3262 Ha, one never knows! I would love to study music, myself :)

[@gabbaalex713]

He is a gem. Great man.

[@m1sterj]

The concept of disliking our past selves hits home hard. Thank you. I needed to hear this.

[@raymondmutagahywa9991]

This hit me on so many levels. "We imagine that we represent the end of history. That the future is only going to before of the same" Wow.

[@centameta8597]

Remarkable coincidence, Hidden Brain is not hidden anymore. Great topic, excellent touch by Shankar Vedantam. Future myself should thank me. Today is our past, let's change it.

[@tiphotakhesimelane1528]

We need more people like this man😩

[@stefanosbilis1496]

his podcast is truly phenomenal, it has such captivating stories that help teach some of lifes most valuable lessons. It helps listeners acctually be able to grasp what some of these old sayings truly mean.

[@Chepina_tik]

Shankar Vendantam is elegance personified.

[@ArchitectingHappiness]

I gave you a standing ovation from my living room. 🙂 Amazing insightful talk and ideas. Both my current, and future self thank you for sharing your wisdom and perspective with us.

[@chitra2647]

This man made me think that the future self of mine is completely a new person whom I'm going to please while I know I will thank my older self. He's making me worried about my relationship of my both the selves.

[@yangchengyamu7479]

I love Shankar it’s been more then 2 years I have been listening to hidden brain his podcast and it really helped to to understand my self and others!

[@DerekSash]

One of my favourite talks. Just as my previous self could not predict my current self, my current self cannot predict my future self. Obvious yet profound. Begs the question: is there even a "true" self? So many of our belief systems and cultural practices rely upon the assumed existence of fixed and immutable characteristics within a person's makeup. It is odd to imagine a world without this assumption, yet in every other aspect of the natural world we easily accept that change is the only certainty.

[@henrytsao1]

almost burst out crying when he said your future self will say "thank you"

[@vbolt6065]

There was an urgent need for a such idea in me before! I was afraid of my own ambiguity in the field of interests! Back in a school a dreamed of one thing in college time of another! And that tremendously simple idea of remembering of my future self eliminates that fear and clears up almost everything!

[@sinraa]

As always - his talks are thought provoking and profound . Thanks Shankar for delving into topics like this.🙂

[@Equinoxalpha647]

Never look back and wish yourself there, only realise your future self will feel the same way about your now.

[@greatwavefan397]

My future self will not wish to be here. *wait...*

[@NaditaBaghdasaryan]

Mind-blown after watching this TED talk on understanding our future selves. The exploration of how our present choices may not align with what our future selves truly want was eye-opening. The psychological insights shared make me rethink decision-making and long-term goals. Kudos to Shankar for shedding light on this fascinating aspect of human behavior. Can't wait to apply these insights in shaping a more intentional future.

[@SmarterWithRahul]

I wanted to write a book called Hidden Brain/Self now this gentlemen has already written a book on it. Very good.

[@ivlivs.c3666]

youtube needs more of this. society needs more of this. beautiful.

[@JPolanc0]

Nice to see Shankar on TED, I’m a huge Podcast listener and It’s all because of Hidden Brain, Shankar shape my taste for all the pods I listen to, he delivers thought provoking questions, Hidden Brain is full of good research and amazing guests!

[@shekarraj1439]

Awesome, thanks again for valuable inputs. It really a gift to have you sharing your wisdom & perspectives with us. I'm glad to have actively participated with you in the youth parliament congress (Bangalore) in the 1980s. Best wishes.

[@araynajoy5608]

I used nearly constantly preoccupied with how my future self would look back at me. I agree with what is said here. Stay curious, practice humility, and be brave are good goals. However, when this idea became a brainworm for me, it hurt so bad. I am a people-pleaser, and my future self just became another person to please. It's like I was looking up to my future self and constantly criticizing my past self. It helped immensely with my confidence to stop looking down on my past self, and to worry less about the opinion of my future self. I guess how I take this is to do what I can to make sure my future self has a good life, but not worry about what she thinks of me.

[@KBISTranThiMinhChau]

this is the second time i watch this speech. Stay curious, practice humility and be brave. I'm on my way to build my new self. Thanks so much!

[@thedavisdimension]

The power of Reflection is something that taught me much in Life. In other words Hindsight is 20/20.

[@ChristannChanell]

Beautiful Wisdom. Be Curious. Practice Humility Be Brave! I am grateful! ✨

[@saimanusrat2340]

Wonderful, so much to learn, even about yourself

[@Irlcommand]

I am just in 11th cls and really likea this podcasts there is a new of ourselves that we dont even know about future self this podcast gives me that uh are change day by day with new mindsets and etc and this world has been a lot of humanitive campaign that has fartger along with thnkuh😊❤

[@ChieuTran-s7s]

The person who we are becoming in 10 or 20 years later is different what we think and not have our same views, perspectives. If you accept the idea tat you're going to be a different person in 30 years' time, you should play an active role crafting the person you are going to become. You should be the curator of your future self. You should be the architect of your future self. Most of us don't actually know that our future self are. You might be in charge of deciding who that person is going to be. You have to stay curious to explore yourself and practice humility and be brave to accept change.

[@ColtonKaplan]

Be open to changing. Perspectives change as you grow.

[@アイスピック野田]

I like the moment he was smiling and said "thank you" at the end of the presentation.

[@OblivionOdditiesProjectStudios]

Every time I have to ask myself what should I do I think what the person I'm trying to become would do. That future of myself that I see, that person I WANT to be, that person I HAVE to become. I know what my future self wants cause I have been thinking like him since I was 12. I knew that he was going to be a combination of people and personality traits. So, I picked out what those would be and started practicing to become that person. My goals haven't changed once since, the only thing that's changed is the roadmap to achieve them. It's easier to know what your future self wants when your future self is standing beside you being the role model you need to become that future self.

[@ismaharry]

I'm so excited about my future... The problem is... When I try to be as fun as possible, as ecstatic as possible, some people out there do everything they can just to put me down, to down my mood and etc. It hurts, right? But, I'm never gonna listen to people, cause I know that doing what you truly desire and like is the only way to happiness)) Start listening to your gut, it must become your best friend, who would help you in the toughest times!

[@ethanchou1123]

The problem is what you want and what you thin you want are totally different and many people get confused. What you want comes from heart and it doesn't change, what you thin you want comes from mind and it changes all the time. Look for what you want not what you think you want and it lasts a life time.

[@AngDevigne]

Love you Shankar! Your work has been so influential in my life!

[@tienmaielt]

Every 10 years from now on each of my future selves will visit me and say, "Thank you! For watching Shankar's inspiring TEDTalks."

[@nurmohammadhridoy9799]

One of the most alluring and well presented Ted talks. Lots of new perspective just opened to me. I really need time to process these new views!!!!!!

[@nhathan233]

This speech inspires me a lot . When watching most of TED topics, they are almost derived from excellent achievements. But this topic is very different. It could wake up our recognition about matters in life by simple explanation about the aspects of life. Only one thing that will never change is "Change" . So, be positive about your future creation as an architect of your life.

[@sanjanamallya]

I have had become aware of this about 2 years back at an abstract level. It feels relieving to have someone put this in words. ☺️ Now if I want to express anything about how I'm feeling, I can simply show this video to add clarity.

[@ronnianabalos4627]

Wow, this TED talk really made me reflect on how our future selves are often a mystery to us. It's fascinating to see how our interests and perspectives can change so drastically over time. The story of John and Stephanie Rinka was truly thought-provoking, highlighting the challenges of predicting our own desires and decisions in life and death situations. The concept of the 'ship of Theseus' and the illusion of continuity were eye-opening. The speaker's advice to stay curious, approach our views with humility, and embrace bravery resonated with me. A powerful and insightful talk that reminds us to actively shape our future selves. Thank you for sharing!

[@mohamedelfatih9826]

I think he means perseverance in doing what you are doing. I can easily relate bravery, curiousity with being open minded to life. This is highly characteristic with japanese society

[@DrShamaelZaheerKhan]

Beautifully put. That's the universal law of nature. Human beings are replaceable and so are their perspectives.

[@bigd4561]

I do not know if I should smile or shed a tear. Deep.

[@vanavetisyan5703]

One of the best TED talks that I have ever listen to!

[@annadobysh1420]

Wow, it's such a gripping speach. I heard lots of others advice, but yours are the most thought-provoking. To expand our horizon we should be curious, convey humility and be brave. Actually, it doesn't sound so difficult, we can change our lifestyle in accordance with you piece of advice. Let's see what happens after 5 years. Thank you!

[@NashPotatoesOutdoorShow]

Very nice...I'm gonna check out your podcast!

[@deilismartinez9234]

This was so insightful and well put together. Im so glad I watched this video today. It just popped up randomly on my feed. And thankful for Shankar for putting this together - definitely looking forward to listening to his podcast now. This has really motivated me to continue doing the work that I’m doing. Most days I feel like I’m pushing a boulder uphill mentally. It’s hard doing things on a day to day basis that don’t really align with what your current self wants. But this has helped to reinforce why it’s important to stay consistent, and continue doing the work. On bad days I used to tell myself that my future self will thank me, but I’ve lost sight of that recently. So I’m thanking the universe for this video finding me. Stay grateful and blessed y’all. But most importantly, stay curious, practice humility, and be brave 😊

[@dannybourne_]

*by far, the best talk of this decade*

[@serenachen1969]

I love this TED so much. Believing myself could be the one I wanna be, cause everyday I am changing 💪

[@ummulathifah8595]

Wow 😢 thank you for this enlightment

[@verse8833]

Based off just reading the title, I might not know what the future me wants, but I do know what he doesn't want. He doesn't want to struggle with health issues. He doesn't want to struggle financially. The 60-year-old me is depending on the 34 year old me, to do what I must so the older me doesn't suffer needlessly.

[@andrescramosm]

Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful talk

[@megchristensen7667]

this is one of the best TED talks i've seen

[@anitabowers7020]

I'm giving you a standing ovation. This was very well done.

[@WhiteSpatula]

Very well said. This is why I believe it is not appropriate to take pride in the deeds of our ancestors without also feeling ashamed of their misdeeds. Or better yet, refrain from both of these vicarious practices and instead honor them by learning from their mistakes. Because our ancestors lacked enough foresight, as we can clearly see in hindsight, to imagine how different we could and would become, we should take care to bequeath to our progeny opportunities instead of boundaries: think, political term limits instead of oxymoronic lifetime incumbencies; temporary laws to be compulsorily and periodically redrafted instead of edicts and mandates; arterials broad enough to accommodate traffic we have yet to conceive of instead of channels constructed for the purpose of preferential profit alone; as well as properly humble and honest distinctions between axioms, observations, hypotheses, and facts.

[@AbdallahBotan]

Where he put "Thank you" is another level. Thanks Shankar.

[@malikaalibdat7079]

Took a minute for the audience to notice lol

[@AbdallahBotan]

@@malikaalibdat7079 Yeah.

[@khy0079]

I really like this speech because I believe in the growth mindset. When we settle in a certain area in terms of a career and a position in a personal and social situation, we tend to think that it will last forever and we might stop trying to get better or preparing for the change. But life including relationships and health doesn't go the way we want and we should always make ourselves prepared and better every moment in life. We won't keep what we want and have all the time and as he said what we want will change. Time to leave my office and go home and I will try to embrace anything new in my life and keep optimistic about my future self. Thanks.

[@tybevd9704]

Life is a journey. Keep going!!

[@Kyle-Duyck]

Once again, Ian proving that he is best in class as a thought leader, and realistically, he's light years ahead of the average American when it comes to foreign policy & geopolitics.

[@rashedrayen]

To the worthwhile person seeing this, your dream is not dead. Don’t allow the past and current pains and hurts stop and define you. You’re more than a conqueror. Rise up and put yourself together. Keep pushing your future depends on it. I wish you all the best in life ❤

[@natashapan4820]

Expand your horizons, and Never limit yourself. Build capacities. Think big.

[@LegendaryKev]

"I'm a million different people from one day to the next ... " - Bittersweet Symphony

[@markmelon3529]

One of THE most enlightening talks ever.

[@SeanLumly]

The flaw in this line of deduction is that our future wants are weighed exclusively upon our individual capricious temperaments, not part of a broader collective -- of which the needs and wants of the past, present, and future, tend toward uniformity and resemble something _distinctly human,_ and of which comprises a significant part of the fabric of our futures. This is the perversion of individualism and a clear demonstration of narcissism.

[@eggizgud]

Thanks for the hope. I was thinking whether I should try do something to myself now because there's a chance that I might end up falling for someone like Trump.

[@greatwavefan397]

Fascinating. I've adopted the "broad collective" perspective some years ago as part of my self-development, and have yet to flesh that out.

[@Shivam-ez2zm]

Wonderful Talk ... ❤👌

[@andredarin8966]

What a brilliant insight!

[@garciadany6759]

When he said that constitutions are not eternal that was on point

[@mnts7876]

Chills when he said thank you while looked into camera

[@Md_Imrn]

Things that we can do for our future self: 1. Stay curious: expand our horizon (try as many things as we can) 2. Practice humility: don't too overconfident but put into mediocrity in our words or promises. 3. Be brave: maybe you don't have the capability to do the thing today, but your future self will.

[@ddvantandar-kw7kl]

U see the time is running out and we have to accommodate as much as innovation possible

[@raghavraman2515]

This is hidden brain.. I'm Shankar vedantam.. Had been hearing this podcast for a while without ever knowing this person. Even after two years I'm still interested to hear his 40 or 50 min long podcast on hidden brain. So yeah I'm not resentful with my younger past about this decision... May be I have these mentioned traits already..😄... Another insightful session from him.

[@aynoapamplona4158]

One of the best TED Talks I've ever seen! It was amazing! Thank you sp much for these words

[@Bapat1234]

This is a masterpiece! The best TED Talk I have heard so far..I could completely relate to it.

[@marystar9510]

Actually, I'm crying at the end of it ❤🙏

[@adspence]

Great TED Tak Shankar! I love your podcast!

[@sisla_]

Every thing he said about the topic hits so personal

[@alidmo3262]

What a beautiful speech in the craft of presenting, bravo Shankar !

[@soundm3d]

geniius speech, thank you.

[@Kcontentss]

Your pronunciation is amazing 🤩

[@zevhinnyumburoga4774]

Thank you so much! It gives me a new perspective of what I really want in life and how I portray myself in the future🔥

[@BusinessFinancialNetwork]

Curious engagement is 🔑 to adapting to change. Thanks for this.

[@binkding]

2:00 So my future was not just unknown; it was unknowable. 9:46 When we pass laws, we often do so with an intent of making a better country, improving our country. But any country that's been around for a few decades has numerous laws on the books that made perfect sense when they were crafted -- in fact, that were seen as enlightened when they were crafted -- and today, they seem antiquated or absurd, or even unconscionable. And all of these examples stem from the same problem, which is that we imagine that we represent the end of history. 10:49 The first piece of advice I have is if you accept the idea that you're going to be a different person in 30 years' time, you should play an active role crafting the person you are going to become. You should be the curator of your future self. You should be the architect of your future self. 11:28 Second, as we make pronouncements on social media or in political forums, or at dinner parties, let's bear in mind that among the people who might disagree with us are our own future selves. So when we express views with great certitude and confidence, let's remember to add a touch of humility. 13:20 What we really should be saying is "I don't have the capacity to do those things today. That doesn’t mean I won’t have the capacity to do those things tomorrow.” So lesson number three is to be brave.

[@WealthbuilderzTV]

This is a interesting view on things. Basically life is always changing and people will change with it.

[@levivavap]

Love this presentation. Thank you, Shankar Vedantam.