The Gift of Blindness: Cobhams Asuquo at TEDxEuston

[@enumahchinemelum7829]

Who’s here in 2023 ? It’s been 10 years I listened to this the first time and here I am thinking about how this man, born blind would look you in the face and tell you there’s no excuse for failure !

[@anuoluwapofalope87]

Who is watching this 2020. This man is a motivation to a lot of people. Thank you

[@Oponu-Ayirada]

anuoluwapo falope me

[@dandanny547]

Me

[@BukolaRY_TV]

First time seeing this 🙌

[@hannaholadokun9342]

I'm watching it in 2021😅

[@anneokpi3120]

2021, and it's as fresh as ever!

[@oghoiluakpore261]

"we treat Africa like a disables child...excusing her failures", NEVER EXCUSE FAILURE FOR ANY REASON OR UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE. COBHAMS, YOU INSPIRE ME!

[@topekfasua]

Oh my God! "YOU HAVE TO BE BLIND, IN ORDER TO BE FOCUSED. FOCUS IS BLINDNESS ITSELF... YOU HAVE TO BE VLIND TO SOME THINGS IN YOUR LIFE (in order to achieve your life goals)"... "... AND THAT WAS WHEN IT HIT ME.. SIGHT, SOMETIMES, IS A DISTRACTION".."WE TREAT THE AFRICAN CONTINENT AS A DISABLED CHILD... WE EXPECT FAILURE, EVEN WHEN WE REALLY CANNOT AFFORD TO"... Cobhams is a remarkable philosopher and a great gift to humanity.

[@renaudlemieux1]

You have to be blind to be focused wtf are you out if your mind. No need to be blind to be focused wtf its even the contrary

[@DavidHaastrup]

Some very interesting points-: (1. Do not excuse failure, on no account, for no reason (2. Trust, even when you have no reason to (3.Sight sometimes is a distraction... so be "blind" to be focused... Thank you Cobhams... This generation is blessed to have you. Shalom!

[@singnplaypeace]

Thank you so much for marshalling the points that stood out for me.

[@Cre_Bills]

Sight sometimes is a distraction😂😂😂👏👏👏👏👏 Focus is "blindness" in sense

[@dabaolowodun8014]

Wow! Just wow! This talk is 8 years old and still hits home. Truth is ageless.

[@senagovina8909]

This man is truly a Gift to the world. God bless and increase you Chobham.

[@judyives1832]

Nonsense! Do you not understand as blind people, how many times we hear” god gave you blindness as a gift to the world”. To teach others how lucky they are to not be us? That “god” gave us blindness on purpose because we are strong. “God never gives you more than you can handle”. I hear that one several times per week. These are the platitudes of people who think “I’m happy not to be you!” You think I am broken. But I believe I’m lucky. I was sighted for awhile and experienced that. I could read sighted and then I used audio books and finally learned Braille. Who has the fullest experience of reading? Over and over people will say audio books aren’t reading. I say until you’ve learned to read with all your senses and in different languages, you haven’t really experienced the full immersion of reading. I’ve gone for walks in the woods and beside my river as a sighted person and enjoyed nature so much. Then I began to walk by sound. Every change in the rivers depth and speed produces a different pitched sound. The gurgles, booms and splashes, there are hundreds of sounds that are completely identifiable as coming from a certain section of the river. I began to walk as easily by sound as by sight. And enjoyed recognizing bird and peeper songs and that became a fuller experience. Now I walk the river paths bare foot. I take each step and recognize the feel of the changes of ground under my feet. I walk barefoot as soon as the snow goes until it comes back again. AND I walk with my guide dog and the young dog I’m training to be my next guide. We are a team. So fine tuned to each other that it’s almost like dancing. The boys walk off leash but often in safe areas but we are so connected that a leash is unnessecary and the touch of my hand on the harness handle is it’s own form of communication. I can feel my dogs positions before I ever would notice by sight. This goes spectacularly wrong sometimes! Lol! As it can do for anyone with a thoughtless step and a trip over a tree root. A moments in attention by a dog still learning his game. But we have so much joy. Any embarrassment is far less important than our connection. I started to use scent as well. The slow wide river parts where the frogs and algae grows smells much much different from the hot scorched smell of the gravel parts of the path. The raspberry and wild mint areas smell so fresh and delicious. The ramps/wild onions along the side of the trail, smell so strongly yet I used to not even notice Every thing I did sighted, I have learned to do blind. (Except for driving a car) My favourite things to do are gardening, training dogs, drawing and reading and these are far richer being blind. I’ve leaned to slow down and be organized so that I don’t lose my tools or my purse. This took time as I’m messy. I lost my purse one time for a week and my room a vacuum disappeared for months when it got stuck under a sofa and I couldn’t find it. But I learned to train my young dog to find anything with my scent on it and since he was just 12 weeks old, he has been happily retrieving my dropped gloves (the only item I can not seem to learn to put in safe places) as if it’s the greatest game in the world! No one chooses to go blind. But all the people who tell us it’s the worst thing in the world and that we are now just burdens on the medical system, our families and the world and then come up with the only thing they think we can do, to be a lump that others “pity” and learn to be more kind, is completely and terribly wrong. There is a movie where a father learns his child is going blind and he gives up everything to take her to see the mountains before her sight goes. As if that will be the end of her life. Many of the comments were about pity for the girl and her father as if the child were going to die and many even said they would commit suicide rather than be blind. This is how people think of us. This hurts so badly that most people think my life is worthless just because my eyes no longer function. But I’m still here. I still love my life because I’ve learned how to do that. I fall a lit, I make mistakes like bumping into posts and walls if I forget my cane or am without my guide dog.

[@flowersbloom100]

Brilliant! Trust never expires. One of my fave talks from the day of inspiring TEDxEuston speakers.

[@martinnartey3754]

This is my motivation in 2020 and beyond. Lessons I learnt :- 1. Do not excuse failure for any reason on any account 2. Trust even when you have no reason to 3. Sight sometimes is a distraction. Be blind to be focused

[@Optimistkeys]

Correct

[@AbujaYummyMummy]

this was by far one of my best TED talks

[@enohorakatugba1729]

Watching this in 2021 and I couldn’t agree more

[@okhah]

This is what you get when a genius is full of so much wisdom. 👏

[@felixobi2825]

I was right there at the conference and have not forgotten the import of his talk...YOU HAVE TO BE BLIND TO REMAIN FOCUSED TO ACHIEVE YOUR LIFE GOALS!

[@ChikweIhekweazu]

Can't get enough of this talk! Deep and profound, yet delivered with humor and humility with a strong message that will stand the test of time.

[@ephanimhonitie6024]

The truth doesn't fade. I watched this in 4/01/2024

[@omowunmikuku9221]

hummm...... BE BLIND TO BE FOCUS.... food for thought . THANK YOU COBHAMS i'm greatly inspired..pls who is watching in 2019...

[@EmmanOzoemena]

Cobhams is a bundle of talents. A great gift to humanity. God bless you brother!

[@ayokunmiolusa]

Who's watching this in 2024?

[@olubukolaakinyemi7767]

June 2024

[@miracleajakaiye9320]

I am

[@emmanuelalariobi7810]

Watching in September 22 2024

[@davidsounds6241]

😂

[@iryn1903]

Just discovered this guy through my precious aunt(Patricia Egbuson)'s funeral!! Wonderful perspective Cobhams!

[@adetolaeko5165]

whoa!! this lecture is still inspiring in 2021

[@inimfoninyang4440]

Cobhams Asuquo!! Abasiudiong Sir. Such an inspiration. One of the greatest speeches i've ever heard.

[@gideonaniechi]

Sight sometimes is a distraction... I love you man!

[@hans59]

Just watched this 2020 and I do not regret it! Cobhams is my daily motivation!! God bless you

[@abbyoluboyo847]

Sight could be a distraction. Focus is blindness in itself. Thank you 🙏 💜❤️💜❤️

[@ImeUdo-ObongMesoEx]

THIS IS a Nigerian "story" for MY generation of overcoming SETBACKS to achieve success...I bless God FOR Cobhban:s life

[@critmail]

I love Ted talks, what a phenomenal way to get inspiring people and ideas out on the open table!

[@herbeesworldofbeauty7677]

There is more to what a man sees than meet the eyes. Being blind to distractions, keep trusting even when there is no reason to and not excusing failure. Thanks a great deal 🤝@cobhams

[@EvansThePriest]

Do not excuse failure on no account, for no reason. Trust even when you have no reason to. Be blind to be focused.

[@davidobinga8460]

You're such a blessing sir cobhams

[@Chukzarro]

Thank you Cobhams for such an inspirational talk ...and for defining in bold, the true meaning of challenging conventional wisdom.

[@linkoglobalventureslimited8783]

Excellent speech from a man we all called blind man... So what my excuse and your excuse for failure if a man that is blind can now show us that there is able in disability... Here him and I quote he said sight a distraction to goals... Two u must learn how to trust so much lesson in just on sermon... God guide us in our various field of ENDEAVOURS.... I summit... Bless up Cobham's

[@adelekedavidadekunle5646]

Brother, you did just great! You drove it home again!

[@isaacige]

But who are those disliking this type of information.

[@madukaaustin9931]

There is no excuse for failure. Thanks Cobhams

[@xxmamaxxable]

SICK!!! Loved every bit of it! And that last lesson about being blind to be focused, really hit home! Thank you Cobhams!

[@damikuteyi]

He decided to just trust...this is one of the best talks i've listened to

[@mohzyzmosugu8705]

This was a revealing story that I relate to. The Idea of sight as a distraction(shopping scenario) really got me thinking

[@BeWorded]

Cobhams is the Helen Keller of this Era. You are a source of encouragement to many persons who are enmeshed in their state of disillusionment!

[@uchedumbi]

What a message Cobhams.Thanks a million and God Bless you.

[@anita6055]

Wow!! I'm glad I watched this,Precious gems dropped by Cobhams.."Be Blind to be Focused"

[@diggiada]

What a fantastic talk! "You have to be blind to be focused" that will stay with me forever

[@kasalifathia4643]

I've always admired this man and this talk gave me more reasons to.

[@kyraocity]

This is one of the best TEDx talks I've seen in a long time!! From a TEDFellow.

[@okeperfecta231]

Sir you are a blessing to this generation

[@ijeononogbu8097]

Powerful powerful message......' Do not excuse failure for any reason on any account '

[@anneokpi3120]

This is one of my best Ted talks...second only to those of Chimanda! So enlightening!

[@Amarachiijoy]

No doubt!

[@kennethekoyata1267]

This is the best video I've seen on KZbin. Ain't joking.

[@abrokenlife]

I am completely TRANSFORMED from the inside. This is the message I have waited for all my life!

[@akinoladabiri5285]

This was an excellent video to watch at this time. What an amazing speech

[@1XclusiveFBA]

the link to the African continent in the conclusion was brilliant, it had me clapping in my head all through. Exceptional human, exceptional speaker, for a person who doesn't like conferences.

[@sommadinaozim143]

Cobhams you did me proud.

[@BukolaPereira]

Oh my my!! What a great talk. Thanks and may the Lord grant you more wisdom, knowledge, and understanding.

[@JenniferEhidiamen]

Inspiring!! Excuse no failure! Trust! Be blind to distractions!! Yes boss!!

[@voriskinlaw9775]

Thiz Dude "Cobhams"...So Much Power and Life's Wisdom picked up along the Way...2 a point,I can both empathize & sympathize(partial blindness @ birth & 16yrs old/eye operation)..."U Have To B Blind To B Focused"(I'm getting ready to hear what he 🎼🎵🎶🎧🎤🎷🎸🔊🎹🎺🎻💿sounds like)....that will stick the rest of my life with me!!!

[@anthonyajibolaomoruyi8054]

A real life experiences. What a great inspiration.

[@beckiemua]

I pray God heals you in the mighty name of Jesus!🙏🏾Please Lord Do it for him

[@joshuaadeleke2288]

Be blind to be focused! My eyes can be a distraction... so trueeeee...thk u cobhams for delivering in grand style.

[@renaudlemieux1]

Be blind if you think yoy will be more focused im sure you gonna love it

[@kellyamouzou7278]

Divine. Thank You Sir

[@umeobichisom]

Beautiful, he has said it all as it pertains blindness-physical, spiritual, emotional or social (ethical) and I agree totally...God bless you exceedingly TEDx and Cobhams

[@olalekanabayomi9236]

Thank you cobams.. God bless you.

[@libertyokechukwu7929]

this man is a king...crown him!!

[@jaykudjo]

gush watching this video makes me wanna turn back the hands of time and be so grateful for what had blessed me with?

[@timileyinafolabi2842]

Omg..The world needs to see this

[@chuksbruno5268]

it was so inspiring, i could feel the raw passion as he spoke...nice one bro

[@RAB__TV]

Thank you so much, Cobhams. I have been watching this video for the third time

[@Explorewithtunde]

Watching in 2024, you have to be blind to be focused💪

[@jerryjoe8123]

You're a testament Sir 💕

[@ifeanyioffor4713]

Cobhams is a blessing to humanity

[@dejilope]

Indeed...we need to be blind to be focused. Thank you, you have always been an inspiration to me.

[@renaudlemieux1]

We need to be blind to be focused ?

[@funtoayenakin5753]

Not physical blindness. Blind to distractions.

[@TheNyakaat]

God bless you sir. You are a hero and a role model to me!!!

[@oreoluwaayanleye2048]

Who's watching this in 2022? The gift of blindness - so inspiring

[@vinnyzworld]

You are an Inspiration. God bless you.

[@zenicemails]

"you have to be blind in other to be focused." blind to distractions that take us away from our goals. "Not to excuse failure" Turn a blind eye to insurmountable challenge s. Trust even when you have no reason

[@mmusa6486]

Ya definitely you have to be blind to failures

[@PatrickAnigbo]

Great guy! Inspirational talk. A great Africa Day in London.

[@emmanuelmwamba5582]

wow this is so inspiring. just got me focus on my purpose

[@shobowalelukmandavid9476]

wow....I was inspired greatly.

[@odayura7596]

i am indeed inspired! GOD Bless you.

[@OlaTunBossun]

This remains gold 🥇🪙

[@ShainjoDepuun-kg7ws]

I am glad to be lucky to watch this

[@ralphpapino4065]

inspirational! No excuses , determination,hard work and grace will definitely put you high .

[@kieranwilson1092]

the guy who disliked this was blind and missed the like button.

[@BukolaPereira]

LOL..... You are funny!!

[@zat0076]

Kieran Wilson agreed

[@ajokpaniovojonathan2322]

Am sure I would have click more like on ur comment if the clicks increments...

[@Rex4sure6425]

rather he/she was blind and unfocused...missed the point completely

[@davidadausuel4537]

I must say, that the ( guy ) that pushed the negative button must have had a reasonable reason for their actions. Therefore for you to respond the way you have is very unfair. Walk a mile in their shoes 👞 before you make such a judgement assessment of someone you don’t know indeed.

[@ahmedkarage9633]

Truer words have never been spoken on Tedx.

[@ihebunandujerry4058]

I am inspired by this talk

[@Doctor_Boy-01]

Excuse is a gentle way of telling lie. Great inspirational @ Cobhams . . .

[@KumaniMusic]

Love this guy! I am a fan!

[@sharonkaburuk9576]

Wow wow wow.. Inspiring

[@PaulEkwere]

Great Man Cobhams. Floreat!

[@oguziechimakenneth7277]

i was inspired especially towards my dreams. thank you Cobhams Asquo

[@anyax70]

Powerful. This has stayed with me

[@murthadao]

You are FREE LIKE THE AIR with your mind. WAX STRONGER

[@enoobongudo675]

Amazing. Such an inspiration.

[@callmislow]

Main striking words: Do not excuse failure, Trust even when you have no reason to and Be blind to be focused......Cobhams Asuquo

[@jjdanfodio]

2021 still watching....cobhams is a motivation

[@estherobi3365]

Blind with a difference. So inspiring

[@sosolyricsworld]

Watching in 2020. And this is so inspiring

[@okwycelestine2268]

Inspirational...Be blind to be focus.

[@osinachiopara95]

Great Talk.....So Inspiring, God bless you

[@olaakin1137]

Great Lessons, richly inspired!

[@preciousfires5088]

this is mind blowing, I am indeed inspired.... tnx Cobham's

[@Phrankleen13]

Truly Inspiring!