Finding My Analog Self In A Digital World: Brian Faherty at TEDxPortland

In this gripping personal narrative, Brian explores the balance between the digital frontier and the technology ecosystem that surrounds us today, as well as his emerging anxiety about how and when we interact with our "smart" world. At the core -- it's about trying to find our true self and to be true to others.
Brian Faherty, owner, founder and creative director of Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co., began the lighting and lifestyle housewares brand in 2003. His passion stems from his desire to help people create personal spaces that inspire. Faherty is a proponent of micro-manufacturing and believes that building a strong U.S. vendor community will help to put the United States back on the map as a thoughtful, sustainable and competitive place to manufacture quality goods. Faherty lives with his wife, Jill, and their three children in Portland.
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[@Kevin15047]

I'm 20 and I love analog things. I'm far more fascinated with how an analog clock functions just with meshing cogs and gears than I am with the sophisticated computerized workings of a digital clock. I learned to type on a computer but I got good at it on a typewriter (made in 1920). I just bought a key wind twin bell alarm clock off of eBay. And when I wanted a sewing machine, It never occurred to me to buy a new fancy plastic one that does everything but buy the thread for you. I bought a 40 or so year old Singer, made of metal that will actually last more than 5 years. I have nothing against technology but there's a limit.

[@stewartwatling1445]

How very true of today,i often say instead of texting or emailing,why not just ring the person,you'll get an answer to any question in an instant and connect with that person.I guess 50 years before phones the connection to others was so much more.Nice presentation,i hope the seed he sewed grows in everyone who sees this video.

[@lazarusblackwell6988]

ABSOLUTELY TRUE

[@shakeyold]

im 49 also and this speaks to me directly. i so want an analog me back, not just for me, but for humanity. we lost something along the way. i think the digital age will do one of two things. either advance humanity as in star trek, where we have a global federation of planets scenario, or enslave humanity, as in george orwells 1984. alas, i fear the later.

[@gurgisjones1120]

Great talk; exactly what I was searching out for today. There are several other TEDx talks videos here with related digital vs. analog ways, but they don't hit home on what needed to be pointed out like this one.

[@Eyemallfunkedup]

This is the second Ted I've seen in which the speaker plugs their business. I suppose there are more but I find it interesting.

[@MrLTAMI]

I can relate. Thanks B.

[@lazarusblackwell6988]

GREAT SPEECH!!!!

[@oneminutehowto3575]

Your starting to see the light. Now finish your transformation and give up that NPR.

[@not4sure1]

Cue applause.

[@zzelix]

Hey its Walter white :)