Which country does the most good for the world? | Simon Anholt

It's an unexpected side effect of globalization: problems that once would have stayed local-say, a bank lending out too much money-now have consequences worldwide. But still, countries operate independently, as if alone on the planet. Policy advisor Simon Anholt has dreamed up an unusual scale to get governments thinking outwardly: The Good Country Index. In a riveting and funny talk, he answers the question, "Which country does the most good?" The answer may surprise you (especially if you live in the US or China).
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[@kuri7154]

7.7k Americans disliked upon discovering that the answer isn't the U.S.

[@haydenc364]

I knew our country was probably know where close

[@fransmith3255]

Meanwhile most of the rest of the world would have the very same reaction if the stated answer WAS America.

[@brent4674]

@@fransmith3255 yeah cuz it would be bullshit lmao😂

[@brent4674]

It isn't even number one on world order😂

[@fransmith3255]

@@brent4674 No, it isn't. And for many very good reasons. It is, in fact, number 40 (at time of writing this), and ONLY because America exports a lot of pharmaceuticals. It figures that big pharma, appears to be the only reason why America isn't more like number 100 on the list right down there with African countries, doesn't it?

[@aidenhawkins7521]

The moment I heard pandemic I headed to check what year this video was made.

[@ariefitriputra5446]

Same here.

[@vunge_]

Same here

[@randomnegi]

same here

[@barneylovesyou8878]

same here=

[@ronwesilen4536]

He is referimg to the A flu from a few years ago

[@existingdude4949]

This man predicted 2020 in 2014. And then here we are being recommended this video.

[@natigrinkrug]

Ayy saaameeeeeee

[@more_tezza]

He's not predicting, he is talking about the 2009 H1N1 pandemic. Pandemics happen more often than you think.

[@LucaBrasi0]

I can predict that 2030 will come in ten years.

[@tpgmflint]

@@more_tezza SARS and MERS too maybe even bird flu

[@BmCm0.0]

That right m8

[@QodeMusic]

Holy crap I can't believe how relevant this talk is 6 years later.

[@guascamsb8138]

it will still be relevant for many decades, unfortunately... :(

[@Nomatterwhat69]

@@guascamsb8138 it's relevant for our entire life and we're the actors :) Good Luck ! (Thx Ireland)

[@Aenthel]

I remember reading about Ireland's overall levels of altruism before but as I understand the metrics for measuring these and others forms of helping have been revised in recent years (in tandem with changes throughout the world as we know of it), so although Ireland may still be among the most charitable I don't think it is considered to be the most altruistic (granted the new metrics being used and their emphases are a matter of revised interpretation)

[@QodeMusic]

@@Aenthel Well I don't think even with new metrics that Ireland would suddenly be at the bottom of the charts. And I don't think the USA will suddenly be on top either. In fact, I think whatever metrics you're using, roughly the same results should be had.

[@Aenthel]

@@QodeMusic well I admit some of my comments have not been stated directly, I am not disputing Ireland finding a place somewhere near the top of these rankings or even at the top as far as altruistic countries may be calculated, rather my comments were about why Ireland is not in the same place as before, which is something of a consequence of significant changes to the type of metrics now used

[@meursaultscourtroom8886]

Ireland, that recent story where they donated money to Native Americans during this coronavirus pandemic to thank Native Americans for their donation to Ireland during Irish potato famine.

[@meursaultscourtroom8886]

@@hacyil190 That's a great story too, I did not know that. I was referring to a money donation that the Choctaw tribe made to Ireland during the famine which is commemorated by a statue in Ireland.

[@frans8160]

@Archock Encanto 😂😂

[@HalleckssBO]

@@hacyil190 dude :) rather than complaining and trying to be nonchalant. Can't you just appreciate that generosity for Native American? I mean... It's not a competition... By the way, i m aware that you wana give us more detailed about that history point. But you can do that kindly ;) have nive day.

[@stanleyhood4343]

@Mat K The First Nations are blessed.

[@l3quack]

@@hacyil190 automans though.

[@USMCRebels]

Who's watching his opening line while the Corona Virus continues to escalate?

[@antcowan]

yes yes yes me!

[@Sonathan1893]

It's not escalating, if the current reaction of the people would be appropiate, every country would have been in anarchy during swine flu.

[@USMCRebels]

@@Sonathan1893 You shouldn't have dropped out of school, 'cause I have no damn clue what you're muttering at me!

[@patriciaoffer9585]

@@USMCRebels Not having a clue can be your or the other person's mistake.

[@silentgrove7670]

youtube algorithms pick up trends and present to us.

[@happy-face7611]

Lets be honest.Before clicking the video everybody knowed that us is not the country

[@accretionescapee]

Yes

[@stephenmurray2851]

@Casey Portnell Why should it be America? None of the other 300 countries came in first either.

[@moestietabarnak]

@@stephenmurray2851 ya, but no other country has the population screaming 'we're number 1!' every chance they got.

[@imluvinyourmum]

Science and Technology - US contribution to the world - 50th Ukraine - #1... AHAHA, you Lefties crack me up.

[@stephenmurray2851]

@@imluvinyourmum I know. It's genuine delusion. There is just no reasoning with them.

[@Wolfdings]

The microphone rubbing on his beard give this whole presentation the unique vinyl touch. Love it :D As a German who has been many times to Ireland working and travelling, I can say: I love Ireland a lot! You deserve it!

[@EnigmaTimGaming]

The mic/beard thing was driving me crazy the entire time. However the message was important enough to look past minor irritations.

[@dublinbay2362]

As an Irishman, going Germany next month for business. Love the German people

[@paulb6805]

I'm Irish and I don't ever fart so as to not increase the world's methane levels #everylittlecounts

[@liamsomeone6333]

XD

[@suncrafterspielt9479]

Unfortunately Ireland is no longer no. 1

[@liamsomeone6333]

@@suncrafterspielt9479 number 3 I think. Which is good, that means that other countries are doing EVEN BETTER

[@pauljohny200]

@@liamsomeone6333 Nice concept .. Competition for being good .. rather than fakness, and other stuffs.

[@liamsomeone6333]

@@pauljohny200 this isn't competition, these are facts. I don't want this to be a competition, I want other countries to do even better than Ireland. Go cry to bunker boy.

[@dane2379]

I love it when the audio makes me feel like im literally inside the speakers mouth.

[@anassabir1051]

hahahahaha

[@yoeljb]

After 2 seconds I was like... man... just move the mic off your damn stubble. Not that hard. And stop mulching up banana whilst talking. Killing me.

[@aspag35]

Makes me feel all warm and tingly inside

[@poopyakuza8891]

I think it's someone eating

[@wiczus6102]

Yeah its disgusting

[@siivmckmaher95]

As an Irish person, it was such a pleasant surprise to hear that. I can't stop smiling. We still have a long way to go though

[@spooked2104]

Hold on to potatoes tho

[@ThatControlUser]

@@spooked2104 😂😂😂😂

[@spaceman9599]

Miles to go before we sleep - that is exactly the attitude we should have - to celebrate successes, and continue to strive to do better.

[@TheBilalblanco]

all the doctors I go to here are either graduated from or practised in Ireland. Thank you :)

[@cillianlawlor3160]

@insomiablaze 1 Show evidence please

[@erniemcnamara9916]

Born in Ireland 85 years ago and living here since I am privileged proud and blessed..

[@kingwacky184]

Before we go to sleep our thought should not be I am glad Ireland exist it should be I am glad those 10 countries exist. Because together they do a huge deal. If you only thought I am glad Ireland exist well without the other 9 countries the world would be doomed. You need those other 9 countries because Ireland alone is not what we need.

[@aria7083]

Short answer: Not The USA

[@frans8160]

Hhh 😂😂

[@essardaudinett6934]

4:04 each one trying to shaft the next. The greatest shaft is unregulated capitalism. Guess who is pushing it.

[@NoticerOfficial]

lol you people crack me up.

[@fy1727]

@@NoticerOfficial yeah, you too budy

[@DON351W]

yet we the USA are still the country most refugees want to come to, we are the country everybody looks to when disasters happen to help, and that's fact, not his statistics setup to get results he wanted

[@Chadevereux]

Not surprised that I haven't seen this man before, as he's obviously well-informed and must be stopped for being a good, intelligent person.

[@timomastosalo]

You mean no good deed is left unpunished?

[@dobby1631]

He’s British. Obviously he is thinking about the wellness of the world. For legal reasons, that’s a joke

[@igorsmgv]

This title is so unfair. Simon's talk is just one of the most profound, brilliant, and intriguing talks I ever have seen not only on TED, not only on KZbin, mas in my life as a whole! Comments don't translate.

[@Thubelihle0815]

"God dammit I'm glad Ireland exists "

[@dannymurray8326]

Táim freisin

[@David-wn8xo]

Its Tá mé comh mhaith

[@dannymurray8326]

@@David-wn8xo different dialects im from cork

[@ronan1189]

Mise freisin

[@kingwacky184]

I am glad all those nations on that list exists.

[@angelablackthorne3026]

Visiting Ireland in 2009 I looked around me and The thought that struck me was "This is the most civilized country in the world". Apparently I was right. 🍀 Love you back, Ireland

[@EMMYK1916]

Hi from Ireland, just curious: What specific areas or behaviours led you to this conclusion? Bí cúramach, go raibh maith agat agus beannacht 👋

[@HansGrob]

Have you seen Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg???

[@Onceuponatimejotaele]

Drinking beer ​@@EMMYK1916

[@kennytee6882]

I'm in before WatchMojo turns this into another top 10 list.

[@matthewhayes2799]

500th likkke

[@channelnein6365]

Kenny Tee 666 likes damn

[@th3_tea412]

669 like

[@user-qp6yp4qk9i]

screw WatchModjo

[@numap4701]

Go tell that Crap to some body else.!!! Remember the Orphanage of BLACK Children, on 43 St, York City, IN 1863? During the Civil War??? >A Mob of Irish Immigrants ATTACKED It and Burnt It down to the Ground! YEAthe Irish are great people. The Empty Lot is still there today on the North West Corner. Check it out!!! What a Dumb Video

[@hawkeye9152]

I am so happy to see my country *India* at 44 Rank. We came at 44 from more than 120 rank, some years ago. We are just 3 positions below the US. I hope my country keeps improving and the rest of countries too. Coz it's only meaningful when all countries improve.

[@pm.1133]

I don’t know you political allegiance but that video is from 2014. Yes we’ll grow as a country. But BJP is in power so I think the rank if not forged will deteriorate

[@tonytasung2747]

Lol your country India sucks

[@dt8129]

@@tonytasung2747 we didn't ask for ya word lol

[@tonytasung2747]

@@dt8129 I wasn't telling you either

[@karthikayanedathodathu1337]

@@tonytasung2747 that's straight up disrespectful. Go learn some social skills. Have a nice day

[@pauls.2526]

I am Irish and I am quite blown away by this i know back in the 1980s when we had mass imagination and high unemployment we donated more to the 3rd world per capita than the rest of the world. Us Irish have had a very oppressive history full of hunger loss and strife we have been cast to the four corners of the world. Our country is still partly occupied by a foreign power yet we don't hate them but we are full of empathy for oppressed people in other lands.

[@joebloggs396]

Lies. It is not 'occupied'. You have no right to take land unless the people living there agree to it. You still claim all the people there as Irish despite this.

[@pauls.2526]

@joebloggs396 It will be a nation once again. Joe, you and I will live to see it.

[@jeremybioud6131]

Would be so interesting to do the same with global companies !

[@rivenwizz]

tbh only NGOs/charities would figure in that list, and maybe some co-operative/family owned businesses. All corporate companies serve their investor's needs first, lenders 2nd and rest is meh

[@AnandKulkarniPlusOne]

@@rivenwizz I think that was the point of the original comment

[@jasonscott7599]

C

[@Tinky1rs]

There is such a list for pharmaceutical companies with some great results. It's called the Access to Medicine Index. For example, MSD has pledged to work on onchocerciasis by producing the curative drug for free (for 100M people a year) until it is no longer necessary. A PR campaign, sure, but it prevents millions of cases of blindness worldwide.

[@steveluth3139]

@@rivenwizz Lol no most charisties are really bad, the percentage that goes to what they stand for is usually very low.

[@billycasper3351]

The point of the 'talk' was not to belittle or glorify a country by giving stats that you may or may not agree with. Rather the point is just to prove how the world can become a good global village, if each country enforces goodness 'externally'.

[@marcoantunes1813]

Outstanding summary! Thank you!

[@sebastiandiaconu1221]

"enforces goodness" sounds pretty sketchy to me.

[@befunkrn]

@@sebastiandiaconu1221 Agreed, enforcing goodness sounds like badness to me...

[@dantdt4693]

Sebastian Diaconu it should be strongly encouraged

[@marilynschmidt6400]

@@befunkrn Jacinda Ardern. Career politician with no experience regarding global issues and parenting matters 😷

[@milanlama4901]

"TED" always brings the simplest yet the best ideas from people around the world....

[@johnnycoleman9013]

As an Irish man born and bred...I honestly had no clue we were as big of an influence within these 6 years 2 other countries have overtaken us in these charts with finland being no.1 and Ireland no.3 now..still very proud of this really...it's time the small forgettable countries start making some noise. Sláinte Mhaith 🇮🇪🇮🇪❤️❤️

[@iche9373]

Bred? Sir, Irish is a Cultural phenomenon, not a biological „race“.

[@ac0615]

​@@iche9373it's a saying in ireland used instead of born and raised

[@sonny9493]

​@@iche9373lmfao how silly of you

[@iche9373]

@@sonny9493 Silly? Sir, the damned right-wingers in my country are talking about „national blood“ to sell their racism. And that’s not funny Captain Ableist.

[@iche9373]

@@ac0615 Well, only extreme right-wingers are talking about „National blood“ to legitimate their racism.

[@OnibiTeru]

Literally didn't want this talk to end, it's so refreshing to hear him speak, let alone hearing what he has to say about the whole thing.

[@SirurP]

I felt exactly the same

[@orgez13]

lamo after his opening line i had to check the date

[@mrtn321]

or gez same

[@ahmedsedqi2488]

Me too lol

[@tal4976]

same i was like...is this really 2014

[@seanolaocha940]

Epidemiologists have known for years that a global pandemic, everyone just either didn't know or dismissed the warnings as fear-mongering.

[@tal4976]

@@seanolaocha940 so true, bill gates did a talk on it in 2015 and quite accurately predicted COVID-19

[@apacheattackhelicopter5823]

I’m just gonna guess, 6 years later, it’s not any of the big countries

[@TristanPopken]

There aren't really any 'big' countries right now in the top 10...

[@clio_7070]

Check out the website www.goodcountry.org/index/results/

[@Elephantrunk]

@@TristanPopken what do you count as a big country then? Because France and Germany are both in the top 10

[@Elephantrunk]

@@anvi3969 1. Germany is not scandinavian 2. As of 2018 Germany is in the top 6 3. As of 2018 Norway is 8th

[@anvi3969]

@@Elephantrunk I mentioned EXCEPT GERMANY. saying all the countries in the top 6 are scandinavian except Germany

[@dkmphotography_co_uk]

Literally cannot believe how relevant this TED Talk is 6 damned years later... I thought it was a new video, especially when he was talking about a pandemic (previous one). It really would be nice for people & their countries around the world to pay a bit more attention to advisors like this... The world could be a FAR better place.

[@claradusk]

If you imagine the world as a glass of water, and all of its molecules as people in the world, you can get a good picture of the problem we face with globalization. When you put a drop of colored fluid into the glass (an idea, a nation, etc) you see that the color swirls around and, with time, eventually dissolves into the entire glass. At first, the color is strong, vibrant, and rich (rich culture, rich history, etc) but then fades away, being absorbed into the system (globalization). At other times, molecules in this glass may act more like oil than water, resisting absorption in the system by clinging to older times and ways. So if you imagine this, what you see now is a glass full of colors and fluids, suspended in odd shaped bubbles and looking like liquid stained glass, splitting and joining, mixing and molding, to fit into the world. Over a long time however, the absorption is inevitable, and it will happen, hopefully very peacefully... but this is the true problem: Drop a firecracker in your glass. Liquid splashes everywhere (death), colors mix rapidly creating a blend of odd new colors and fluids, and every color is marred with a bit of soot making the entire glass darker. War changes the world quickly, and that is what the true powerful globalists want, WAR.

[@bernymcbilly1008]

omg i had that same vision in 1 second when I was stoned yesterday! ....and they said weed makes you dumb, completely opposite!

[@jaganmaster]

Berny Mcbilly Thanks for bringing me back to this thread. I had forgot about my conversation here. Unfortunately, the debate didn't end well but I liked my points. DIVAD if you're ever ready we can finish this.

[@MyDefendor]

Wrong! A type one civilization must be fully globalized and thus collectively create methods to protect itself against the analogy you used here instead of stay isolated from each other to protect themselves.

[@jaganmaster]

MyDefendor Q Who're you replying to?

[@rogerbaker2068]

MyDefendor Q Sure....just simply roll over and let the self-proclaimed, "Élite" , continue to use and abuse you. Speak for yourself. "World Government"?? You poor pathetic slave...

[@shekharmishra2663]

Shouldn't this index be renamed as the, 'Least Selfish Country Index'

[@mell1657]

People usually respond more to loss than to wins, so I think if you completely flip the index and call it the most selfish countries index, then it might have a bigger impact haha

[@midimusicforever]

Not really. It's not a list of top altruists, but top contributers.

[@jackytaly]

Midi Music Forever No it isn’t top contributors, it’s top altruists. For example, the US would be in the top if it were top gross contributors because they give more overall, but less per capita. Ireland (at the time) gave the most pet capita, but not the most gross

[@midimusicforever]

@@jackytaly Contribution per capita, of course. But that wasn't the point. The point is that the list is about contribution, not about altruism. Selfish acts that have positive secondary effects count.

[@jackytaly]

Midi Music Forever Well by that standard, altruism doesn’t exist. All acts are selfish acts

[@FoxamPL]

1:59 he said it he said the word

[@fedzalicious]

That was the most brilliant, enlightened and relevant Ted talk I've even seen

[@chrismcdonald2947]

Went to the site. Ireland dropped from 1st to 8th. Interesting to see that in a few years a country can improve or slip up and down the line by the choices its leaders make

[@chrismcdonald2947]

That is a good question...time to research for fun!

[@chrismcdonald2947]

The site has a version 1.0 and version 1.1 and rankings changed. There is probably A LOT of data used and collected each year

[@wenshan701]

Ireland in 11th now

[@xxMilakasiaxx]

and kenya isnt in top 30 its #91 so I guess it is about moeny :D

[@UnbreakableRukawa]

its about perspective really, like do you support a single global world order to be in charge of everything? Basically a bigger EU. More red tape.

[@edthejester]

I love how he doesn't chastise the lowest scoring countries but instead fits it into a narrative of development. That's how you convince them to come on board.

[@roberts8507]

the jester has spoken ... admirably

[@EmperorsNewWardrobe]

edthejester, fantastic observation

[@cqxiu4390]

The index is too subjective on its composition and weight. Data of each country is also collected on different levels according to the website of index. So it’s positive but the rank means little.

[@pixelinkframellc9650]

This is just a tool to leverage control over the global political class. Typical globalist elitism. Not buying it.

[@bwillwall]

While at the same time saying it's not about money. This talk I'd a joke.

[@joranborgulya8047]

This was such an amazing speech, I love the way he made his points ! Well done

[@JohnDoe33408]

"There is one less prosperous nation in the top 30, so this is definitely not about money."

[@gazzaroony]

Doing good rarely has anything to do with money. It helps but human kindness cures every problem. Politics, religion and money causes every problem.

[@shreyaarora2209]

@@gazzaroony totally agree with you.

[@catholiccataclysm2891]

​@@gazzaroony At their most basic, politics is group legal decision making, religion is group moral decision making and community, and money is group trade. It's similar to the argument that corporations are the cause of all problems. Corporations are just group production of a good or service. They are all just mechanisms for having a society that is bigger than five people. How could any of them be a root cause of any problem? The cause for all problems is the selfish tendencies of each individual, which can lead to corruption of those three mechanisms.

[@dsdy1205]

He's saying that if a less prosperous nation can strike all the way up to 30, then clearly there are means for less prosperous nations to do good, and that you can't just sit back and say "I have no money so I'm not going to do any good for other countries".

[@hullmees666]

its about the mindset. most poorer countries prioritize economic growth above all else.

[@algimantasmitkus7836]

United Kingdom is first in Science and Technology? They still havent invented a single tap for both cold and warm water...

[@sykosykes04syk]

Got one in my kitchen

[@liarliarliar6495]

+algis mitkus Penicillin

[@Palifiox]

+algis mitkus Thuse mixer taps are all through newer buildings in Australia and are a bloody pain.

[@plasmo9891]

+algis mitkus Post-war England was built in a time when you needed to store your hot water. Tepid, stagnant water attracts bacteria and parasites and leeches minerals from whatever it's stored in, so you'd want to keep your cold, drinkable water separate from your hot, yucky water. This is why only houses build in the last couple of decades have mixer taps. It isn't that they didn't think of it, it was just a terrible idea.

[@1Joren]

+algis mitkus I mean, the point is kind of that this is about helping OTHER countries which is probably why you still don't have that single tap :P?

[@doodelay]

The idea behind this TED talk really could help change the world. I can't recommend this enough.

[@erikak5022]

I love the simplicity of what he says..I agree with u doodelay , I think it could help change the world. Good post! : )

[@Kleyana]

Wow! Your words are gem really. I agree with your concept of a 'good' country. We must think outwardly to be able to bring development around the world because we need each other. We can't survive without each other.

[@Jujuwhat]

Dude doing ASMR at the same time as a TED talk.

[@masterpwn3r]

lmao

[@Walleggwp]

Hahaha it triggered me so hard.

[@sfincione2000]

update: Finland is in 1st place at the moment

[@AussieZeKieL]

I don't think the graph is very good. How can the UK be 7th and then 2 years later vote for Brexit. How is Denmark 9th for culture when their immigration is really stick and they try to preserve their Nordic race. Who's deciding what is good? seems pretty loose to me.

[@teemuntubetus]

ReeceAUS maybe you should check the measurements...

[@whoami3485]

Oi soumi on

[@ellah2411]

So, We're the happiest country AND do the most good for the world... Didn't see that one coming

[@whoami3485]

EllaH im proud af ❤️❤️

[@moji96]

every irish person i met so far is humble and kind.

[@moji96]

they make me feel like im home

[@dacooooo]

have you heard of conor mcgregor. lol

[@rhiadmarhes9291]

He keeps people on the right path. IF you don't Conor will bate your head.

[@hughesmax]

BiEN HURry I hope you enjoyed your time in Ireland

[@burgermuncher6752]

IRA>

[@pquach00]

Wondering if there is an updated list for 2020? Btw, good closing statement!

[@asdmcc2]

2020 index Ireland slips to 3rd. Top 10 all European and Canada is highest placed ROW at 11th. Finland goes top! Go Finland!

[@eyan4329]

Nice to hear other countries are topping us in Ireland hopefully it becomes some sort of race to be the "good est" country

[@sampofools]

Irelands still in top 10 and other countries are getting better, win win :D

[@InvincibleSucks]

Even though I’m Irish I’m not angry, were still in 3rd which is still great for us, and if other countries are better than us it doesn’t mean that were getting worse, it just means other countries are getting better. But I’m not only Irish, the other country I’m from… Aren’t doing good as of right now. Looking at you Pakistan.

[@h.d.5194]

@@InvincibleSucks Pakistan is probably at the bottom

[@zenshen1567]

If China and/or India are spending more energy supporting their own citizen then world citizen they're still helping 10-15% of the world population each...

[@johiidk]

Yes if it helped ALL of the people in that country, then yes. The problem is that a lot of policies in China or India do not help or contribute positive to everyone or that vast majority of the population. And that is in my opinion the biggest reason for the low score.

[@Hugh.Manatee]

+johiidk, no, this index only looks at what the country contributes to the outside world, not how it treats its own citizens (there are a lot of other indexes that already do that).

[@johannesyde4408]

So it's not to be interpreted as how much is a given country's contribution to the world (including its self) but the world minus it self? Or am I completely misunderstanding the scoring system.

[@sabotsabotskij7047]

Exactly. There are other indexes that shows what the citizens of a nation think of their own country based off of similar metrics. So if you look at these indexes and see countries that score high on both, i.e. the people living there like living there, generally speaking, and they contribute a lot to the rest of world according to this index - that should make one think - how come they can contribute so much to the rest of the world but still have great lives at home? Are there more countries on these indexes that score high and do similar things with regards to politics etc? And if there are, why isn't my country doing that?

[@icy_rane]

well you can consider that as 10-15% of the population helping themselves, per capita, china and india aren't helping as much as other countries, no matter how big they are.

[@MsXlr8urself]

As a person living in the US I can say I'm happy we are no where near the top of that list. We are selfish, violent, narcissistic people who parrot what we hear. I know a lot of Americans are commenting about how unfair or untrue his data is, but really, take a step back & look at our country! Look at what it's done to other nations & people around the world. If you can call that 'good' then you are oblivious.

[@TeamPill]

I wish the south seceded from the union, then the U.S. would be a good fucking country

[@DoggoWillink]

21st for the only considered superpower in the world is way higher than one would expect. Your comment is just stupid. Take a look at the eastern comparable ones like Russia or China. There's no logic in what you're saying.

[@MsXlr8urself]

***** Dangerous? Ashamed? By 'they kick puppies' do you mean funding foreign civil wars, not taking responsibility for the civilian lives lost in drone strikes, unending imperialism, or....? I don't express my opinion for likes on KZbin. Please leave the insults to children.

[@MsXlr8urself]

***** So I should have written about happy opinion that isn't so awful (or true), and one you would agree with? Note taken.

[@MsXlr8urself]

*a

[@willisopande6277]

Proud to be a Kenyan, though we have our own internal squabbles we are recognized internationally as a good country. And that's who we really are.

[@antonk.2748]

In the 6 years since this talk was given the US dropped from place 21 to place 40 and thus sits one place higher than Russia at spot 41.

[@hawkeye9152]

India at 44 from more than 110

[@digglerdsrecordings9680]

For half a year the US was the only country that would give the vaccine to foreign seafarers. As of August 2021, only 15% of the world's seafarers are vaccinated. The US does a lot of good but they also do a lot of damage so I can see that they would rank low on a list like this. There's a reason that Western European countries can be on this list, they tend to have nice neighbors. Many companies incorporate in Ireland to avoid paying taxes in other countries so I don't accept seeing them at the top of the list.

[@linasuperdina994]

I realised how deeply thaugh we are to be competitive when my first thought when I saw my country was 6th place was "yess we're above they and them" after listening to a whole speech about not being competitive I still wanted to "beat" other countries, this is my favourite ted talk so far.

[@alexasearth]

we're all just humans of the earth :)

[@kalidali7023]

yeah i know i came fuming to see where my country was placed.So sad

[@linasuperdina994]

***** thats true :) But im still glad I found this video, it gave me a new perspective

[@diedertspijkerboer]

It's not about being competitive or not, but what you're competitive about. I feel blessed to live in a country that scores high on this list (hope it still does!). ... thinking about this: shouldn't other aspects of sustainability be added to this index, especially environment?

[@pv2087]

linasuperdina Got a bit depressed when I saw Sweden over Norway...

[@1Joren]

Even though, as many people keep pointing out here in the comments, the data is likely to be flawed in more ways than one and the list/rankings might be flawed as a result, that really is not the point. It's about trying to be good globally rather than "own country first" and people here fighting about which country is good or bad or why these rankings "suck" is showing that people still don't get it. It's not about you and your country, think globally goddamnit, that's the message. Judge your country by what it's doing for humanity, don't judge other countries because you think your country is surely doing it much better and should be higher up the list, that's exactly the attitude Simon tries to change.

[@lesand5484]

thank you!

[@louiseshannon4363]

Ireland is one of the best countries in the world ,in the top 3 of the most developed countries on earth we give aid we take in people in need and give them hope and a home we give support and love,we give them something to believe in, humanity ❤️ we are all one and better when we stand together ❤️ 💙 ♥️

[@noelshannon4456]

Well said 👏

[@anasssoulimani9288]

This video aged like fine wine!

[@mayukh5356]

India is at 61, China at 64 and Russia at the 78th place as of 2016.

[@AdhirajGupte]

Brazil at 47 and South Africa at 51

[@zoltancsikos5604]

Adhiraj Gupte Should be the other way around.

[@gopal0415]

where's Pakistan ??

[@ahmedfawadashraf4714]

gopal gopi Its a country in South Asia right between Afghanistan and India.

[@swisaa9428]

AF A lmfao 😂

[@samueld6511]

2019 Ranking: 1. Finland 2. Netherlands 3. Ireland 4.Sweden 5.Germany 6.Denmark 7.Switzerland 8.Norway 9.France 10.Spain Some other: USA 40 Russia 41 China 61 UK 15 Australia 20

[@Her01panda]

Clearly europe

[@stefanbroers8146]

no kidding us is so low now with trump as president

[@toddbell8846]

stefan broers Trump has brought the economy up since Obama, who was an absolutely atrocious president, and he continues to do great for the country.

[@Her01panda]

@@toddbell8846 yeah THE COUNTRY

[@jaymz6605]

@@toddbell8846 3:06

[@dejoy9872]

This is my favourite Tedtalk ever.

[@danieljones741]

...this is the kind of ted that has helped me transition into retirement, five minutes in, he's preaching to the choir and i'm hooked by its relevance. Wherever it is... there's a source for us all to profit from.

[@chrisc990]

I found the lack of context through the lens of the world's media a bit disappointing. Surely that has a huge effect on perception. It would be more interesting to see what populations under different media perceive

[@goodstuff880]

yh it is very annoying isn't it, so many ppl r ignorant becos they don't look past the media

[@rovsea-3761]

It's probably that quite a bit of this data comes not through the media, per se, but through looking at government data. How much do you spend here, here, and here, etc. etc.

[@teddissac8155]

because it's TED talk and it meant to be short (less than 18 minutes) he can go on and on about everything but it will be he presenting a documentary.

[@taintabird23]

I'm trying to think of a country that is getting a bad rap in the media about something and does not deserve it...

[@cricketknowall]

Taint ABird well, call me biased, but India. I've heard that we're seen as a country filled with rapists and filth, with faeces laden streets all over. Honestly, while rape does occur, like in any other country, it's not as bad as portrayed. In fact, women, my sister included, do roam around alone late in the night without need for much worry for their safety. Rapes are a problem, yes, and shouldn't take place, but we don't have a "rape problem" any more than the next country. As for filth ridden, yes, we do have poor people who have no means to afford a place and hence build slums and defaecate out in the open, but it's unfortunately the hard life they were given. They don't want to be there doing that. If slums bother you, it's not like it's all over the place, they're there in some places.

[@kba]

Im proud of Russia going from 95th to 41th. They are trying :)

[@FW-jq1ox]

I like your positivity!

[@sufoarcane]

@@yourmastergggg4402 Imagine creating multiple terrorist cells and organizations, toppling multiple sovereign governments, invading and bombing multiple countries and occupying them all against UN policy and international law. Imagine having more military bases outside your boarder than half the world countries have in their borders, then imagine having a military budget bigger than the budget for health, education, etc. combined. Guess which country i am, and am ranked far better than Russia. And please can we all imagine having such a turd for media corporations which only spew false propaganda which you soak in like a good little sheep you are.

[@sufoarcane]

@Naurius no it's Zimbabwe silly.

[@Luckma1]

@@sufoarcane when you pay so much money for the military you also have to use it before the bombs go over the expiration date....

[@narwhalblast]

Right behind the US (40th place)

[@verbimaarten]

Thank you, KZbin, for selecting this for me in 2020. Couldn’t be more relevant in these days. Why don’t we see these people more often in public debate..

[@holabuenas7200]

This man is awesome. God dammit I'm glad Finland exists. And I can walk with my head up knowing that my country at this moment is endeed a good country.

[@mynky]

and Im happy too, since netherlands is 2nd, behind finland in 2020

[@johnswan6759]

@@mynky And I am Happy that Ireland is still in the top three.

[@imluvinyourmum]

The list is a little out of wack, Science and Technology - US contribution to the world - 50th Ukraine - #1... AHAHA You Lefties crack me up.

[@mynky]

@@imluvinyourmum contribution doesnt mean war, do you know this, and im rightwinged

[@imluvinyourmum]

@@mynky Go buy an Istone from Ukraine then and go watch videos on Vimeo

[@minahijazin5414]

I have been in Ireland and I met so many sweet kind people. I like it so much

[@hucz]

Mina Hijazin i've been outside of Ireland all my life and haven't yet felt good about it. lol.

[@Toolgdskli]

I thought it is China for giving 3 months pseudo holidays to the world.

[@madsterle6746]

Too soon 😅

[@caninelynx0747]

yep too soon 😂😂

[@skillhhy8707]

Countries are useless, that’s why

[@davidking4779]

Countries with a weak social safety net are feeling pain now. No job means no money, no money means no food. Many boss's, businesses and customers are paying people now, needed or not, because we know they have no other means. It is a holiday with no where to go and nothing to do.

[@samrothman]

Pseudo Holidays. Godmn man you just give me a band name.

[@paudgedonaghy5172]

Me, irish, singing the national anthem an crying

[@ZooDinghy]

Crying? Because secretly you know that you are an evil tax haven?

[@karthikayanedathodathu1337]

Thank you Ireland. We need you but we don't deserve you.

[@ZooDinghy]

@@randomvidios09 Tax havens are parasitic on the revenues of other countries. In other contexts this is considered theft.

[@ZooDinghy]

@@randomvidios09 "Just" 6.5% means 50% more taxes, but then your narrative seems to be a bit incomplete. Base erosion and profit shifting? Doesn't ring a bell? Double Irish? Nope? Capital Allowances for Intangible Assets (CAIA)? Illegal state aid for Apple? Effective tax rates as low as 0.005%? Leprechaun economics?

[@BesBand]

I love it that I can hear someone stirring mac and cheese when he speaks. That's just wonderful.

[@marsboyo1995]

This reminded me of the movie "Network"

[@scati1971]

As a irish person it's a good list to be on. I find it interesting how little comments there are from irish people here except to say that they don't really believe it and everyone else is talking about themselves or hating other countries and that i think goes some way to explains why Ireland is top of list.

[@Paddy234]

Exactly. Irish people are always pushing themselves while others are happy where they are

[@joebloggs396]

I see some bigoted comments from Irish people as usual.

[@justjames1111]

One of the best and most though-provoking Ted Talks I've ever heard. Given the choice, all we need to do is Do Good. I'm glad to hear my Irish roots are so well founded.

[@umbertobehounek3370]

Ireland? Alcohol good?? LOL!

[@alanmckenna1137]

I'm Irish and it's nice to see this , it's not a competition though , hopefully we all get a turn at ' first ' 😀

[@a.d.jenkins5835]

I made a decision 10 years ago to leave the states and move to Finland. It's a damn good place

[@HakaMataFaka]

We have our problems like every country has but i do recommend to move here, its a great place to live

[@rexxo4246]

I live in Sweden and I hate it, I wish I lived in the U.S or Australia. I´m so fed up with the communism and political correctness.

[@HakaMataFaka]

@@rexxo4246 i hope youre joking. The biggest pc culture is in us. Everyone knows that

[@rexxo4246]

@Keyser Söze Well, it goes back about 15-20 years. Official, Sweden is ofc not a communist country but Inofficial we har slowly getting there. It´s hard to explain to someone how´s not living here.

[@sagalindhe]

@@rexxo4246 we are not communist.

[@slysteel7227]

Ireland is the best country on earth,Ireland made me what I am today,took me from the gutters and gave me shelter and free education all the way to university. God bless Ireland

[@williamwolfe3843]

And don't forget Ireland's Leprechauns and their Pot of Gold, That being a Potful of piss, after he,s drank all of the ale on the island, which you can still fine at the foot of a rainbow. Ah Yes tis a wonderful Island the People are a warring bunch of Irate Dwarfs who would love to fight on drop of a hat, Yes put Ireland at the Top of List because no sooner their that you'll fine them at the bottom it's in there nature. Oh ya there a floozie wood imp for your pleasure. so now eff off.

[@jackiehammond5231]

sly Steel the best export coming out of Ireland is it young people !

[@alexhayden2303]

You have to ask the question: What is IRELAND? Were you asked if you want to be REPLACED? 'The demography of Ireland and future projections'. - Stefan Molyneux - Ireland 2040

[@Whelknarge]

See, now you've ruined it by being arrogant. Just privately by proud to be the best like the rest of us! :/

[@Whelknarge]

@@alexhayden2303 You're speaking in English; we've already been replaced, you're the replacement.

[@tedspens]

This Ted Talk could not be more appropriate than today, Oct 2020. Shared! 💖 🌎

[@mackey4113]

This man for President 2020 anybody?

[@poojith6549]

I'd rigg the vote to make him one

[@User-qt7hf]

Lol

[@scottmatheson2390]

Good on ya Ireland!

[@stoney7145]

+Scott Matheson Being generous is part of irish identity,not saying we are great we are not,but generosity and hospitality has always something that is important in irish culture

[@stoney7145]

ThePizzageek A kind of a backhanded compliment their.Its the famine it left a huge mark on our psyche ande the fact that we are a small nation we all know one another and there is still a sense of comunity and family structures are fairly strong still

[@gailmadden7336]

@@stoney7145 well saud but its being destryed rapidly by a ridiculous goverment brown nosing Europe our culture is being destroyed from external and internal forces

[@dustin438]

This guy sounds like someone who does audio books.

[@1.4142]

A counterargument, however, is that reputation may not actually reflect how much good a country does. They may do apparently good things for their own power, and what is "good" action and the important of them are subjective. Media coverage can also distort this view.

[@1.4142]

The same thing is true for companies who do "good" things for PR, for example publicly donating a small amount renewables when they rely on oil companies.

[@munjalvishal1604]

Clicked to see this for only 30 seconds but the man made me sit through the entire thing

[@durkle1120]

his posture makes my neck hurt

[@jameszeallor2735]

That's our movement posture.This guy hasn't stopped.

[@andygranatelli8809]

He has no neck.

[@ripadipaflipa4672]

Durkle Georgeson : I hear you when I walk by someone with poor posture I feel pain and want to pull their shoulders back and fix their necks.

[@z.x.c.l.s.b.n3531]

@@jameszeallor2735 turtle neck comes to mind.

[@allengardenroutelife8787]

Durkle Georgeson he will get a neck problem, need acupuncture treatment.

[@shmojelfed9664]

I see why the youtube algorithm suggested this in today's world

[@norzinshakabpa1852]

A great , touching speech! Thank you - should inspire US ALL!!

[@lilwalis6742]

Will you update the index in 2020?

[@borealisvulcano8232]

Good points; although I think we could use a debate on the subject rather than a presentation now. Not only would it be interesting but also extremely useful in finding relevant criticism. If this guy is honest about how he wants to change the world, the conversation needs to continue. EDIT; I just realized this was filmed ages ago, does anyone know if there have been any updates or follow ups?

[@silversolver7809]

The index is updated annually, check the website.

[@xoigel8106]

"Kenya is in the top 30. So this is not about money."

[@paulfontaine2064]

OK, not about money, fine, but what IS it about ?

[@ironsmith9769]

The amount of good done is very dependant upon the capacity to do good. If person A has ¤3 and gives them all away to person B who has ¤0 person A is considered a saint who now needs charity from person C or person A will starve to death. This is the essence of wealth redistribution. Instead, if a person C has ¤5 trillion and they give ¤100 to the person B they have benefited person B 33x more than person A could have while person C notices no decline in comfort or survivability. Sainthood is touching but ultimately without wealth creation, all the saints would starve to death. The nation that has the best system for creating wealth should be at the top of the list. The nations with the best system for creating wealth should ignore the list altogether and embrace the sovereignty of their own nation. If you want to understand why I believe the things that I believe then read Atlas Shrugged twice.

[@ironsmith9769]

Yeah, 30 down to 92nd place tells me they no longer have any ability to help their neighbors after they were generous with their money.

[@potatolord7319]

i feel that it was quite cherry picking to find 1 country in 30 when there are many that are the opposite

[@NathanClingan]

@potatolord 73 No, it wasn't cherry-picking -- it was merely proof that wealth is not the determining factor.

[@hatchermoney]

Brilliant - looking forward to reading the book (and learning what 6.8 means!) Simon

[@joostvisser5251]

Still one of my favourite TED talks, only downside is that I'm not really into ASMR

[@lelezhang8378]

*September 2019:* 1. Finland 2. Netherlands 3. Ireland 4. Sweden 5. Germany 6. Denmark 7. Switzerland 8. Norway 9. France 10. Spain

[@jessiem1042]

NordProductions and that comment proves you are an inbred, degenerate, racist piece of garbage.

[@lelezhang8378]

@@NordProductions That is not true in fact that is racist. You can't just judge white people as 'better'. If you look further in the actual website you'll see that there are non-white countries

[@danielkopra7762]

Suomi mainittu!

[@mattyy101]

@@lelezhang8378 No he is saying white people created better countries for the planet. You are being racist towards white people for saying they don't when the evidence is there.. you called him racist for being proud of his country but you wouldn't bat an eyelid if it was another race, see you are an anti white piece of trash

[@Asocialite__]

@@mattyy101 white people created good countries by exploiting non-white countries. Even though there isn't such a thing as a 'white' country.

[@crewmate6568]

Who else here from Ireland

[@EMMYK1916]

Anseo

[@jgdooley2003]

Éireannach is ea mé.

[@martinharrington6159]

Potato

[@hdwscoot9884]

Me

[@fradrake11]

Erin go bragh

[@andrecoxa]

I'm Brazilian, born and raised, and I find this so very cute.

[@adityakshirsagar6059]

Be a good country is not only includes some high tech expensive efficient process. But also to live like a natural life as it is nature gave us

[@thomasshelby6632]

yeah you're right

[@UjjWaLcHoUhAn143]

May 2019 .....USA slipped while India and China climbed 1.Finland 2.Netherlands 9.France 10. Spain 15. UK 17. New Zealand 20. Australia 24. Japan 30. Portugal 40. USA 41.Russia 44.India 52. UAE ( Arab ) 61.China 72. Brazil 74.Mexico

[@coen6455]

china：All you are here is garbage.

[@Giguv05]

Somehow I find USA being right next to Russia really surprising

[@jeffjames7976]

Рустам Балафендиев apparently it’s not about how much money you give other countries around the world or how many people are invading your country because it gives you a chance to succeed. I say the U.S. needs to close its borders cut the financial aid it gives to countries around the world.

[@user-zj4sd9zl5d]

@@Giguv05 Не делай вид, что не знаешь, что Путин раздает налоги русских граждан бывшим республикам. Еще и Африке помогаем постоянно. Я вообще не понимаю, почему мы были на 99 месте. Россия вторая страна после США, дающая деньги странам третьего мира. Мало этого, мы не требуем возвращать долги.

[@janetwhite7786]

@@Giguv05 I dont, considering the source and the fact that this is a Ted. Ted despises the U.S. and the West in general.

[@viseberg8527]

Listening to the new US leader say things like: "We'll put America first!" "Buy American, hire American." "Make America great again!" really does not make it seem like a good country.

[@icanada4]

viseberg , when was the US a good country? (at all?) I'm talking about the system as whole.

[@gustavomendoza5926]

A Al Dallal WW2

[@ronaldhubbard577]

Almost half of our population is either unemployed or doesn't work a real job. A country that does not put it's own people before the people of other countries, is not a good country.

[@noahrichmond248]

viseberg countries are always designed to put themselves first. If they did not then there would be no point to that country at all. The point of a country is to bring a group of people together in order to accomplish things that individuals could not in order to benefit those that are apart of the group.

[@alvinwonder2180]

Ronald Hubbard Where did you get such a ridiculous unemployment figure? As of Dec 2016, the unemployment rate provided by the government was around 4 percent. Half of the people around you are unemployed =/= half of the population are unemployed.

[@acedes8689]

This is an amazing TedTalk

[@sebastianmelmoth7331]

The Irish are good people, a country with a very troubled history. Well deserved, even today they are top 4. Thank you Ireland.

[@raymond3021]

Ireland is a street angel house devil, at the expense of the actual indigenous Irish, Norway have our gas and oil, the world have our 450 mile fishing box above the Irish, American has destroyed our real economy,the banks are laundering trillions paying no tax along with there corporations , they've even stolen people's social welfare to starve them into submission,no wonder they love Ireland, they just hate the real Irish!

[@Callidous]

I just checked out the website and had to find out Ireland dropped to number 11. What happened to you, Ireland, what happened?!

[@natefellows5783]

what happened is that this whole talk was nonsense.

[@chicknorton8839]

someone said up the ra

[@captnmaico6776]

no its not its acutally in line with the en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Price_equation , altruist choices increase the fitness of a group, and bad policy decisions decrease therefore the fitness of a country. Ireland also suffers from the brexit, making it less altrustic

[@stoney7145]

Brexit is only beginning to take effect.We do not know what the effect of brexit will be on ireland.Ireland will be the first toehold in europe rather than britain for multinational companies.Ireland is still in the eu remember

[@davidmckeone6029]

We have major tax problems with Microsoft and HP and also brexit is kinda fucking 80% of our trade

[@lelezhang8378]

*November 2019:* 1. Finland 2. Netherlands 3. Ireland 4. Sweden 5. Germany 6. Denmark 7. Switzerland 8. Norway 9. France 10. Spain

[@FoodwaysDistribution]

Fake news: he showed IRELAND at number 1

[@Gckirbydtx]

Anonymous Polar bear why is it that 2 of the top 3 and 6 of the top 10 are countries that essentially pay nothing for their national defense? Their defense isn’t free or even non-existent. So who pays for it?

[@juholaaksonen7455]

Monarch Reach what are you talking about? Too much Shapiro, perhaps? Get your facts checked. Greetings from Finland.

[@museofsalzburg2373]

Aren’t there widespread rioting in Spain and France rn?

[@randomdump7942]

@@museofsalzburg2373 at least people in France and Spain are aware that there is a way to negotiate with their governments, those who never protest are just massive packs of cucks imo. Look at the US, their debt in % of its GPD is similar to France and Spain but there is virtually no social care, you get a cancer you're ruined, and nobody protests, same for unemployment money, retirement money, free right to fire anyone in a company, or minimum wages, it's like basic right all people from europe got in the 30's and they still don't have it. I think I remember when the city of Detroit got declared bankrupted, people got their retirement money lost, and nobody protested, that would have never happened in Europe, people would have burned the entire country down before this happens.

[@solaire9217]

Good on you Ireland 🇮🇪 I’ll take 7th as well 🇬🇧

[@alvinsebetero]

WHERE CAN WE FIND THE MOST RECENT UPDATE OF THE RANKING?

[@timisaac8121]

www.goodcountry.org/index/results/ Finland moved to number 1. Poor Mexico, where I live, drops?

[@hawkeye9152]

@@timisaac8121 india at 44 from 110+. I'm so happy. We are only 4 position below US

[@lesleylee3755]

I'm surprised that comment section is not full of arguments 😂

[@martijnlemmen7625]

🙄😂✌

[@michaelsecker8105]

I'm not ( just to get one started)

[@arya6085]

There were augments on my first 5 lol

[@timomastosalo]

I'm not. This was a good, video.

[@syd9367]

ted talk guy: doing his ted talk me: trying to do what that guy did with his hands at 4:18 to see if it's comfortable :[/\__/\

[@wippgerlin]

is it?

[@syd9367]

@@wippgerlin i can confirm it is a comfortable position. The joining of the two pinkies feel like a counterbalance to the index fingers. Highly recommended to make oneself appear like a white man listening intently to a ted talk😌🤘🤘

[@adventureofalifetime3019]

@@syd9367 😂😂😂

[@giannacrisha8448]

now im doing it too

[@tomislavrasic7766]

This is my default state thanks

[@claritywellnesscoaching768]

I am currently shopping around for a new country, so this is great! Plus, I would’ve never guessed regarding Ireland!

[@itiswhatitis_842]

I honestly think this talk should be updated every 2 years or something, because countries continue to evolve and do new things