The ancient, earth-friendly wisdom of Mongolian nomads | Khulan Batkhuyag

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There's a lot we can learn from Mongolian nomads about how to survive in the years to come, says environmental activist Khulan Batkhuyag. Taking us on a journey through the country's stunning rural landscape, she shows how Mongolian nomads have survived in remote areas for thousands of years by virtue of some truly incredible, earth-friendly, zero-waste innovations. There's wisdom here for all of us on how to live more minimally, sustainably and in harmony with Mother Nature.
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[@laddermonkey3014]

I love how Mongolian culture is similar to my culture. I'm Native American (Navajo) we do have mother earth and father sky. The traditional Mongolian nomads home is similar to ours its called a Hogan made from wood logs, straw and clay. Awesome ted talk.

[@aigulmoonkz]

Oh, that’s interesting! Never knew that Native Americans had similar types of houses. We’re Kazakhs - former nomads as well and it’s pretty much the same. People from Siberia moved to Alaska, travelled all over from north to south and became Native Americans. Probably that’s where it all coming from and why our cultures are quite similar.

[@jjay6432]

Native

[@emujin2255]

as a Mongolian i do think so too we have things in common and things that are different, it feels so good to hear that

[@Кира-в6й]

I'm Mongolian and had some native american in me, per DNA test. I think there was a migration at some point.

[@lylepainting2256]

Wow that interesting our Maori culture also has a sky father and earth mother and we are very far away from Mongolia

[@christinajade9900]

She's so beautiful, inside and out. Way back, reliance on the community was a thing, people actually looked out for each other. Nowadays, with urbanization and globalization, there is less community and more competition - who has more money, more cars, better houses...

[@chamade166]

Agreed, she’s so hot.

[@st4r444]

@@chamade166 it's that central asian gene

[@dougg1075]

Invited me in , gave me a place to stay as long as I needed. This is the golden rule we modern people have lost.

[@cynthiavanteylingen7922]

I wouldnt trust anyone let alone let them in and stay longer. Especially now with corona numbers rising in my country and local area.

[@dmitrizaslavski8480]

Letting in, is bad action for all. You impose your presence on other's household. They take care of your need and you lose the will to do any changes.

[@turonavyblue3863]

@@dmitrizaslavski8480 why would you try do any changes in someones household

[@GertoonCartoon]

Khulan Batkhuyag Thank you for representing us so well... Love from your country🇲🇳

[@FireBlade9773]

What a beautiful lady, inside and out.

[@shereadsshescries1457]

Wow, best TED ever. Just think about how YOUR ancestors lived thousands of years ago, with EVERYTHING they needed, life in a pure non-money way, non-wage slave way, free and hard at work for yourself, and whoever comes by lives the same way and is helped in times of need, and contribute to the good of all. Humanity needs to reclaim this freedom and care about eachother, care about the Earth, just LIVE and stop using and abusing eachother and the Earth. Freedom and harmony. ❤

[@zgardan]

Well, being entirely honest the life thousands of years ago, especially for the nations neighboring Mongolia was quite brutal - for details on that it is good by starting reading about Genghis Khan or any book on history. Slavery was omnipresent, so no wages, only forced labour and the majority of humans had very violent deaths in military conflicts. And even the lives of nomadic tribes everywhere in the world was quite unethical for our, 2020 moral standards. But I agree dreaming is one thing that makes us humans.

[@haha337337]

I was deeply moved by your ted talk. Thank you for very much. I love Morin Khhor instrument, the spirit of Mongolia. Although I am Korean, I respect the nomadic culture in harmony with the nature of Mongolia.

[@sarahb3738]

wow I had no idea how beautiful Mongolia is, gorgeous ...

[@djvelocity]

I’ve read many books about Mongolia but it’s really interesting to see somebody speak about it first hand! 😊🙌

[@couldbeanybody2508]

My favourite aspect of mongolian culture is the throat singing *EEEOAHHOSINGOEH*

[@charlietube7165]

"D I can do that with my Ah

[@butcanudothis]

my favorites are them tities 0:34

[@tanyajuli4145]

I have long wanted to visit Mongolia for many reasons. I also see the same beauty in the windswept naked landscape as in the Great Basin of the U.S. The culture is an old one, but I always see a parallel between the nomads and the offgrid RVers in this country. A life where you follow the natural rhythms of the earth, sun, moon, and sky. Loved the video, the speaker, her lessons, and her message.

[@robgau2501]

I just recently discovered Tengrism. It's almost exactly what I already believe about the world.

[@schlaflosaberglucklich9631]

This message touched my heart and made me think about the ways the ancestors of my country (Germany) used to live side by side with forests and swamps instead of cutting them down and drying them out. Hopefully I too will be able to live by their philosophy

[@jumintschoe8286]

Sleepless but happy ❤️🥰

[@dmitrizaslavski8480]

Easy to do, just kill 90% of population and hold this number. This way there would be plenty of resources and nature will come to our lives again. Otherwise just consumption of food would force to destroy forests if we ever will make people more or less equal and no one will starve.

[@eleonore6936]

What a lovely girl! Lovely country and people of Mongolia, great people!

[@brianrobertson2853]

What a beautiful country. I am British but now live way up in the high mountains of Bolivia. Again some spectacular vistas.

[@ly1x]

I knew of a Brian Robertson I worked with back in London (drkw)....?

[@lauragonzalez-hill2108]

Wow Bolivia? Incredible!! Much success to you :)

[@everydogandhisman4294]

One of the most profound videos on the internet

[@kikitantan4223]

This is a beautiful message ! It’s time to learn the spirit of Mongolia 🇲🇳 Thank you 🙏

[@frankenfaery1583]

Poverty is in the minds and hearts of people.

[@mrinaltayal2044]

Even the villages in India offer a similar ethos. Zero waste, fully sustainable, living in harmony with nature. Everyone lives as a strong well knit community, helping each other specially in difficult times.

[@amanyab5538]

People who live in nature are always much kinder and wiser.

[@zgardan]

Rousseau, a French philosopher had exactly the same idea, but it was proven wrong by multiple studies. Violence is not caused by distance from nature.

[@do5303]

I really loved that perspective of life. All of us consider these simple facts all along our lives and our decisions. We were born naked and will be burried naked.

[@shaunfinnegan6546]

What a great presentation!

[@CarloAnardu]

Poverty is the last thing I think about looking at those majestic landscapes.

[@tyemirbyekkhukhuu5326]

A one minute silence for those, who thinks Mongolia has no civilization. Mongolia has a urbanized a modern city life, and also nomadic life. Globalization reached steppes in Mongolia. Some people after watching some yurts and horses, think people in Mongolia are living in inhabitable places, hardly surviving through. Actually people living nomadic lifestyle in yurt, even if they have enough wealth to live in cities, they prefer living in yurt. They know that a globalization and urbanization erases the nomadic culture in their minds. Poverty is for them not having nothing to inherit their child)

[@futuredeath]

Mongolian throat singing is awesome! Just throwing that out there.

[@AnnaLVajda]

That's where Freddy Mercury learned to sing.

[@wozza1]

Such a beautiful video. I’m humbled by these amazing people. We all must learn these lessons. How has the western world deviated so far from where we should be?

[@mimidhof2179]

Mongolia should be really as prod of you as you are proud of you country... You gave me a nice inside of this impressive country, thank you so much...

[@germansestopal6167]

Thanks. I recovered the faith in humanity. We need more of this.true.

[@Gdhdjejgfsbh]

I am a Koch from North east India me and my people are mongolian descents 😌

[@elenakolesnik8149]

👏🏼 absolutely agree and support

[@jayashreej9931]

Just wow wow wow .. I am truly inspired . Your way of living inspires many

[@Wingedshadow96]

This makes me have a great deal of respect for Mongolian culture as well as nomadic culture in general.

[@sumitsinghstories]

In a world where capitalism inevitably enslaves us in a bubble of our own creation, Mongalian nomads seem so free. Love it! Mongolia is breathtaking!

[@namename9998]

Stop romanticizing her story. She could have just as easily disappeared from the face of the planet, never to be heard from again. There's a reason many people are nomadic, because they (or their ancestors) were shunned from society. What do you think the life expectancy of actual nomads are. We're talking about people who don't rely on society for anything. Nomads are most likely illiterate and die much younger than those who live in urban areas. Nomads can't call the police if the person they let stay with them robs them of everything they own. Nomads don't have domestic shelters they can go to if their spouse is being abusive. If you wouldn't mind dying of preventable conditions (including starvation because of bad harvests or drought), not being able to call the police if you've been robbed (probably of food), spending the entire winter with someone who beats you and or your children, etc, romanticize nomadic living. What if she needed a place to stay for decades and ate you out of house and home. Would you still let her, a complete stranger, stay with you without asking for anything in return. She also got where she was because of capitalism (she said that she's immediately respected because she can play a traditional instrument of her country. She is more valuable than the average person). It's parents who enslave us in capitalism. If we weren't born we wouldn't be enslaved. People who have children they can't afford make it necessary to create jobs that aren't necessary. Why is capitalism bad? Wouldn't you want to earn more money if you offered products of a better quality? How would you feel if someone copied your idea and sold it at half the cost, taking away all your customers? How would you feel if one person paid 5 mugs for your product and another paid 20 socks? 5 mugs costs the same as 20 socks, you should accept both for the same product. What if you don't need anymore socks and no one else needs any. Capitalism is responsible for there being a price system. How would you feel working but not receiving anything in return? Your work is appreciated but your labor is voluntary. Capitalism is responsible for wage labor.

[@dmitrizaslavski8480]

@@namename9998 the problem with capitalism is free market in conditions of globalization and automation process we are in. This way work labor get devalued, while government is highly influenced by big money holders and does not want to upset their supporters.

[@namename9998]

@@dmitrizaslavski8480 It doesn't matter that government is influenced by big money. If you could make twice as much money employing people at half the cost, would you. If you don't like globalization, are you willing to throw away everything that has become available because of globalization. This includes medical procedures, food, etc. If you don't like automation, are you willing to wait longer to get products. Are you willing to not have products because fewer are available at higher costs. Don't blame automation and other factors for modern problems when people are having children they can't afford.

[@dmitrizaslavski8480]

@@namename9998 first, it matters that governments is influenced by money as it breaks democracy principles. Second, with globalization comes devaluation of humans. If human effort costed x, now it will cost x/2. The winner is only one, as products coming from this does not begin to cost two times less. So what we are wanting to have small closed ultra rich society and majority of the world in slams? Second, I believe that automation is important, but once again it will either create small ultra rich society which will hold control over machines with others living in slums if we continue like we do now or machines would benefit everyone. About children, those stories are about East and Africa or South America. In Europe and USA people should significantly support population to have at least one child and help with second, everything else should be wholly on shoulders of parents.

[@namename9998]

@@dmitrizaslavski8480 How does capitalism break the principles of democracy, which relies on voting. If most people don't support X, it doesn't matter how much money is thrown to show that X is actually good, people still won't vote for it. People have been devalued long before globalization. Women used to just be property. People who want to live in slums will live in slums, those who don't won't. I keep saying, stop having kids you can't afford and you won't wind up in the slums. "In Europe and USA people should significantly support population to have at least one child and help with second, everything else should be wholly on shoulders of parents." Why did you contradict yourself. Why should people have two or more children if they can't afford even one and the government won't help (that's what "wholly on shoulders of parents" means. And afford means raising the child for at least 18 years). Why do you support people living in poverty or on the streets because they're having children they can't afford. Why should Europe and USA (not Canada and Mexico though, because they don't matter for some reason /s) have more kids but not Africa and South America.

[@Okoooooo0322]

Mongolian Nomadic lifestyle is interesting and relaxing

[@Pratik_Mulik]

Absolutely what works for our ancestors can work for ourselves also. Touched by Mongolian hospitality as it similar to Indian🙏🇮🇳🇲🇳

[@flightisallright]

My gf grew up in a yurt. She made sure to make me understand that she was never 'poor' in her life.

[@nieve8638]

Thank you, this has made me think about my ancestors and how rich their lives were without money

[@minamushtaq3339]

lots of love to Mongolian.

[@SnowElf_96]

I've lived in Toronto my whole life and I can tell you for a fact; technology, wealth, endless stores and goods. It isn't enough and it will never be. I never pity developing nations as I am jealous of their rich cultures and rural living is something I deeply respect and find much more sophisticated than paying taxes and bills and plugging away at documents on a computer all day.

[@hungabunabunga3645]

Beautiful

[@Figforestfarmer]

Beautiful.

[@Robersora]

Getting older I finally can cherish the rural area I live in so much more.

[@stellanedvardsson2962]

Many great points about caring for Mother Earth and at the same time valuing the uniqueness of cultural heritages around the world.

[@captmants2093]

You go girl! Went to adventure all alone and brought back knowledge and experiences to share. Great TED talk.

[@noinsna]

i love this so mucu

[@pumagutten]

The best part of the Mongolian way is that they don't overpopulate their own country. Thumbs up from Norway!

[@BookshelfSaga]

Exploring different mongolian nomadic family trough many documentary is too compelling and make me want to visit te place more.💞❤

[@pamelamolina5623]

Beautiful inside and out.

[@lisazheng7141]

I respect your delving into the wisdom of Mongolian nomads. Hospitality is disappearing in modern cities because people are too busy thinking of themselves and their needs. I am a Buddhist and believe in helping others in need too but I believe I still have more to learn from Mongolian noble culture.

[@kagaminek]

Great video! Everything I saw/heard about Mongolia so far seemed incredibly interesting. Travelling there is on my bucket list. I'm also happy to see that more and more people come back to old traditions and ways of living to find inspiration.

[@UltraViolet666]

Fascinating talk!

[@zapbutton8553]

great message

[@SR-ok6fz]

Wow ! Thank you for sharing this

[@Tinny609]

Free inner Mongolians

[@bilgekagan6678]

Greetings from Turkey your Cousin🇲🇳❤️🇹🇷

[@wowkissing58]

This is awesome

[@RatnadilaNadila]

that wonderful country. when I saw the views that like we life in the peace.😊

[@aronandreas]

You make me want to travel. And be proud of your nomads, seems to be rich people. 👌

[@JM-jd7yp]

Superb wisdom. Thank you for sharing. I wish you well.

[@mathedguy]

Thank you very much for this lovely presentation and message. You have brightened my day, and lifted my spirits.

[@kevinwells4986]

Such a great video, and spokesperson. Of course I realize that a lot of the great filmography was captured by drone, which is not always available to all Mongolians. My point is that progress, and protection (of our planet) need to be hand in hand, and this young lady described it all so beautifully that I am in awe of her. I hope to see more of her in the future, and Mongolians, and others that are so called 'less fortunate'... because sometimes I think they are the more fortunate ones.

[@MP-wb5yd]

Nomadism is your wealth not your poverty

[@jimkeen7674]

Wow. Such a beautiful country and lifestyle. This story of traveling with your instrument reminds me of the traditional Gaelic "seanchaí". These were traveling story-tellers, whom people would welcome into their homes for as long as they needed, in exchange for the stories they would tell. I have only recently become curious about Mongolia because of the famous sumo Hakuho. Thank you for your stories.

[@anandkhurdjangar3471]

If you love sumo, check out Asashoryu as well. He was a brutal Mongol in sumo.

[@Nic-du6xe]

Really interesting points on combining cultural history with sustainability.

[@vamilkumar7912]

She's so full of life loved the TED talk. And now i'm going to google ways to reduce carbon footprint as individual.

[@germansestopal6167]

I have to write again. I love this !!!

[@elizabethshingola2787]

I love her ❤🧡💛 I too long to visit the mother land❤

[@solongood8218]

Thank you Khalan Batkhuyag for representing our Mongolia with your beautiful insight and with our ancient wisdom. After hearing the speech, we Mongolians genuinely feel proud of our eco-conscious living style. On top of that, there are more and more young people TURN VEGAN in Mongolia because of the incredible benefit veganism has on our Earth, our health and our future. We treasure not only our Mother Nature but also Eternal Divinity in all beings.

[@hmongwisdom3298]

Thank you for sharing your fascinating culture with us. Your English is extra ordinary fluently.

[@misslotuswisdom8545]

Beautiful. My grandparents were indegenious people in South America. Similar to what she is talking about. The ancestors have always known the way and the respect for Mother Earth.

[@Simonjose7258]

Amazing ❤🙏🏼

[@michaelschiessl8357]

Very interesting and food for thought..thank you.

[@arlinegeorge6967]

Beautiful impressive amazing soul. Pray more n more amazing souls like you rise n shine. Thank you, bless you. All your dreams come true.

[@hk-1290]

You have figured it out keep it simple.

[@cameronbennett9586]

I have been in love with the idea of seeing the steppes, drinking mares milk, and riding with a mentor to help herd livestock. I love everything I have seen and read.

[@anniebranwen4148]

If things keep going the way they are now we all be living like this and be grateful for a roof over our heads .

[@anniebranwen4148]

@NoneOfThe Above OK, THANKS

[@margademerald3535]

Totally agree with her philosophy

[@lauragonzalez-hill2108]

Amazing!! Thank you so much! I learned a lot! I, too, one day would like to produce zero waste in this beautiful world of ours. I’m working on it :)

[@FedJimSmith]

this maybe me being stereotypical but,, you should be proud at the fact that you lived in land of the greatest ancient conquerors that lived on earth

[@ilovelife3328]

Fascinating! Mongolia has such an interesting culture.

[@atlanticcreole4073]

Truly fascinating !

[@ilovelife3328]

@@atlanticcreole4073 I would love to visit one day!

[@BadBoy-ri2le]

@@ilovelife3328 no you dont

[@ilovelife3328]

@The power of Books It's such a unique and rich culture.

[@ForgeMasterXXL]

Far too often we see developing nations as inferior, when in truth they have a surfeit of wealth in their history, language and culture that western culture simply ignores. Excellent speech that should ring true and loud for many people.

[@moofoogee]

But they can’t possibly be happy. They don’t have a device glued to their face 18 hours a day. /s

[@mumzy996]

I searched for this wanting to learn the language and have loved their way of life for years. And made only 3 months ago!

[@dauedlex1309]

Yes you are blessed.always look to the future nut,never forget your past

[@imadina31]

Really liked your video ! Can't wait to visit Mongolia one day 🥰

[@chrisjones-fp5vd]

Wow that was awesome

[@danielhensley2597]

So similar to my Native American culture.

[@free22]

There is a lot we can learn about all cultures that were once called “primitive.”

[@thoughfullylost6241]

Amazing more people in all levels of developed countries need to learn ths

[@sanvat6379]

There is nothing like Mongolia on earth. Who never went there hasn't quite lived. ...

[@rajansh213]

Amazing video!!

[@eduardoguevara-borjas3860]

Wow. Makes me wanna cry. I need this. I need to experience a change. A reawakening!

[@butcanudothis]

Who Knew ...those Mongolian milkers are pretty awesome!!!! sneaking at me 0:34

[@skfahadfardin2011]

ok

[@skfahadfardin2011]

ok

[@SupernaturalBeingsofEarth]

@Lennart Labahn True,, silly judgement guessing is not necessary now, it made it's human division virus clear.

[@charlietube7165]

She's very American

[@Amoneywilson00]

Assume excluding the mongol empire pillaging and conquering land on 3 continents. The emperors that spread their dna through most of the world in forceful way. Yes, it is pretty cool.

[@JM-jd7yp]

Absolute wisdom. This film is such a powerful testament to how we should be examining our future ianc t is prophetic in it message. We need to listen to this message. Thank you.

[@ihe_e]

Wow!! It's so amazing talk

[@Robersora]

Community is a value faded, but I feel like we've reached a point at which we wanna bring it back.

[@sarnabchakraborty1323]

Wonderful

[@filmawayvlad]

Баярлалаа 🙏🏼

[@SupernaturalBeingsofEarth]

People gotta tell their stories without the judgement calling or guessing. We honestly have heard it hear in Canada,, all I've ever thought about Mongolia is what I learn and choose to except as real. I'm proud of this Ladies accomplishments & wish her well, but I missed the 2 string horse head tunes. Cheers Armstrong Supernatural Earth Being's Tracker Channel Canada British Columbia BC.

[@evensenj5670]

except for the mountains it reminds me of the prairies in north america..i love prairies.

[@iverson911]

Woderfull