Why politics make us mean and stupid | John Noonan | TEDxMidAtlantic

Trust in government continues to fall to record lows, and politics are dividing our country more than ever - the political center is essentially gone. The blame, says political analyst John Noonan, lies with the Internet and the consumption of news and information that simply validates our beliefs. It's not a Republican issue or a Democrat issue, he argues, it affects everyone. Noonan shares what political operatives like him do to win and divide us - and what we can do about it.
John Noonan is former national security advisor to Governors Jeb Bush and Mitt Romney. Noonan spent over half a decade working in the U.S. House of Representatives, and is the veteran of two presidential campaigns. He is a former Policy Director of the Foreign Policy Initiative, a Washington based think-tank committed to a strong American role in world affairs. A former Captain and U.S. Air Force nuclear launch officer, Noonan was assigned to the 90th Missile Operations Group as a weapon system instructor and missile combat crew commander.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx

[@raulantunez4228]

I hate politics... right, left, middle. I dont care...I hate them all.

[@grilledbacon42]

I’ve lost friends because they’ve turned into politic-magnets. They have to make everything political and judge people based on their political opinions. I hate politics too!

[@dentonkellyjr8095]

I deleted my Facebook cause I just couldn't handle the right and left wing stuff (they say alot of terrible thing esp. the left in my perspective) and all that stuff is happening in America plus our political problems in my country I turned that off, it really got very stressful and annoying to me.

[@hussyweissshutup1275]

@@grilledbacon42 thats happening with me and a friend of mine

[@jaykobwalson1941]

Not just the liberals, but the centrists and the conservatives, too! They’re like animals, and I hate them all like animals!!! I hate you!

[@ReclaimingTruth]

Same

[@megaraph5551]

Politics is the biggest meme invented by humans. It's like children fighting over who gets more slices of pizza.

[@sladejosephwilson2300]

Bingo

[@internalandexternalcorrupt6203]

That's what we count on to survive, unfortunately. It makes me think that, how would politics NOT be invented. The "leader" idea has always been a thing. Even back in the old days. Without politics, we would probably die..

[@megaraph5551]

@@internalandexternalcorrupt6203 Well yes, obviously leadership is very essential. The only problem is that the idea of politics is getting worse over time. What I'm trying to say is that the idea of politics should be reinvented. Take astrology for example, people used to believe it (though some still do) yet the field of Astrology has already been considered a pseudoscience and has been replaced by the more legitimate study of Astronomy. I hope there will be some better way to lead a nation or better yet, unite the whole world.

[@internalandexternalcorrupt6203]

@@megaraph5551 I agree. That's a really good statement.

[@megaraph5551]

@@internalandexternalcorrupt6203 You seem like a very curious person. Maybe you could be the one to reinvent politics?😅

[@sirlogan4786]

Politics: 1% - People working together to improve society 99% - Celebrities Cyberbullying each other and overthinking 80 times to add their own personal ideals

[@nabell2032]

Politics : boomers having argument Change my mind

[@derpyrell]

@@nabell2032 yeppp

[@dedded1968]

@@nabell2032 it's starting to leak into younger generations. They are getting kids involved.

[@user-jk9rh9gn8u]

@@nabell2032 facts

[@user-jk9rh9gn8u]

@@dedded1968 yup

[@SomeDudeWithAnExitSign]

Politics are the most toxic topic ever. At this point if we continue down this rabbit hole it will get worse. I have gotten toxic with politics.

[@user-jk9rh9gn8u]

I have successfully gotten out of politics because it was damaging to my mental health

[@driftliketokyo34ftw35]

This is precisely why I avoid politics at all costs.

[@tweekncra1g]

My mom is super obsessed with politics. And it’s ruining our relationship. She won’t admit these addicted to it

[@user-mg1do7to9y]

what are you, a psychic??? Take me back to your years, help us!!

[@WyattCayer]

They're pitting us against each other, while they do they're own thing,

[@christian.9075]

@@jackson-md2gh *stop

[@lilfr4nkie]

keeping the people divided = no power to the people

[@dedded1968]

I never realized the genius in a political war among the public. But then again, why did they give us power in the first place?

[@Saint696Anger]

@@dedded1968 probably because we held them accountable

[@glenwicks4976]

@@Saint696Anger Yes. Also, a lot of us actually use our brains and common sense to go "HEY WAIT A MINUTE! Something's off here!" The less educated just become brainwashed by it all and actually think it's a good idea to SUPPORT politicians!

[@DastardlyDingleberry]

Politics described in 3 words: *Opinions on crack*

[@ECiT745]

😆

[@jonathanh.2483]

I used to take a side in politics. That was a mistake. Now I just keep my political opinions under wraps and try to get people to be nicer to each other. Division over politics is silly.

[@coffeedaddy5694]

Easier said than done, especially when opinions are fueled with emotions than logic but I'm with you.

[@macaroll]

Exactly! Thanks for this!

[@mitch_the_-itch]

Never be nice to the left who demand to send you to an oven... WHile they scream everyone else is a Fascist Nahtzee.

[@hkar4385]

@@joshuareingold3466 Also its sad when a country and people get judged by politics

[@Woopor]

As Aaron Burr said “Talk less, Smile more. Don’t let them know what you’re against or what you’re for.

[@randominternetuser5872]

Politics USED to have Actual meaning back in the days, Now it's just a screaming contest on Twitter, And we are forced to participate by our feeling, Because Politics makes us angry, So, we ended up doing a screaming match with another person. If politics suddenly dissapears, The whole world will be a way better, and peaceful place

[@user-jk9rh9gn8u]

Yup

[@andrewgonzales1108]

Back in what days? Please elaborate. And so how will there be peace and how will the world be better if politics suddenly disappeared??

[@EbilEnemyofBurgerTown]

Politics, whether it be right wing or left wing, are basically circle jerkers on Twitter.

[@narrfffu542]

Without Politics, the world will be a mess because there's no law and such they can follow. Politics is useful, it's just how most people discuss with it together is the worst part. I know some people that are very one sided, it's best I don't join the conversation as I listen to both sides to avoid being biased.

[@AverageUsernames]

@@narrfffu542 I would rather live in a world where's there's no governments all around the world.

[@glenwicks4976]

I'm an American who wants to live in a PURPLE country, not red and blue.

[@twee1238]

Same, we should all just stop dividing ourselves. Also purples a cool color

[@Swock010]

Twee123 purple is a flex

[@mansamusa8410]

I feel like deep down we are a purple country

[@wwalnut]

Too much left or too much right is never a good thing in my opinion. We should stop deviding and leans towards working with each other to make our country better. But that’s probably never gonna happens because people in higher place only care about themselves and their own gain.

[@LipstickSuccubus]

good luck with that...., sadly that's never going to happen.

[@noxuinddau8719]

Red and blue....smh it's like having two football teams full of people who can't throw, catch, or run. Bad sportsmanship. But, people will ignore those facts.. as long as their team wins.

[@user-jk9rh9gn8u]

Ikr

[@realquietone68]

"we no longer ingest news to be informed; we ingest news to be validated" 🤔 VERY true imo

[@j.s.7419]

Yeah, this line really stuck with me too.

[@berekexer8158]

Question is did you come here looking to validate that conclusion

[@meowth3770]

Both parties are laughing at us having fights.

[@earlaweese]

*No, they aren’t; that’s unconstitutional. It’s their duty to keep the peace within our country.*

[@glenwicks4976]

@@earlaweese So why aren't they doing that duty then?

[@heresthedealio3520]

@@earlaweeseNaive much

[@rodneyskinnermusic]

I've always referred to politics as a drug. A drug that brings out the worst in people. This is one of the most touchy subjects to tackle and there is rarely videos like this that talks about why Politics turn us in to such Angry, Out of Control Savages.

[@user-jk9rh9gn8u]

I'm gonna start calling politics a drug

[@rodneyskinnermusic]

@Bobby Bob Good for you Bro, There is so much more to life than Red Vs. Blue. Life is a smorgasbord of choices, you just have to choose the things that work best for you. And The more you taste the goodness of life the sweeter life gets.

[@chiraggupta2645]

@@rodneyskinnermusic very well said

[@macaroll]

@@rodneyskinnermusic Well said! We always have a choice. The question is, are we open-minded enough to broaden our horizons? And allow ourselves to have other options to consider aside from the given choices (red and blue)? Nice analogy btw that politics is a drug! It's really toxic in this current modern times.

[@Mpritchard1995]

Hence why I won’t get involved I’ll just live my life treating people with respect as I wish to be treated I hate politics I’m all for human rights and I don’t care about laws rules whatever they come up with because it truly doesn’t effect me so much

[@user-jk9rh9gn8u]

Ikr

[@zero5496]

politics is the ultimate definition of the combination of bias and lies, nuff said

[@thomasfisher4833]

"nuff said"... very open-minded of you. You certainly don't seem biased at all.

[@zero5496]

@@thomasfisher4833 as long as I am less biased than you, which is guaranteed forever and ever, then it is all good and sunshine for me

[@Someone-lf2si]

I hate politics, it made my parents divorce and I plan not to vote. It makes me look like a terrible person whichever side I choose. If someone talks about politics to me I just walk away, simple.

[@trollhunter2157]

Exactly ❤️

[@trollhunter2157]

@@thethethejdgj6592 oh wait I’m sorry I thought you protected politics. My bad

[@thomasfisher4833]

Yikes! That sounds like personal trauma. Still, I disagree with you. You should be less caught up on which side _looks_ wrong, and more in which side _is_ wrong. Because, I 100% guarantee you still have some political opinions, even if you don't think you do.

[@tobithetabby6376]

Polarization is the reason why I became disillusioned with the politics of the world.

[@robertcatesby7055]

I hear you. I've been an independent for decades, and I can see anger boiling over on both sides recently. "If you want the truth to stand clear before you, never be for or against. The struggle between for and against is the mind's worst disease." -- Zen master Seng-ts'an

[@austinfairley5659]

@@robertcatesby7055 how about now? Lmao

[@thescapegoatmechanism8704]

Life’s too short to be pissed off at conservatives and SJW’s. “All is vanity”

[@MonsieurTerrorizer]

Facts!

[@yota5208]

More like far right and far left

[@jasminejoydicla7264]

Politics is JUST. SO. MESSY.

[@thatguy7155]

Families and friends can break up when they state the president they choose This is politic

[@user-jk9rh9gn8u]

Politics is like division really

[@realquietone68]

I needed this.... The manipulation is real, and quite easy to fall for... Moving toward being apolitical and just trying to do "good"

[@macaroll]

Yes, and with the rise of social media, politics can be just about anywhere. It's really scary how it can manipulate people or turn the tables in a second. 😰

[@maxmorimoto6481]

This is Why I NEVER talk about politics with others anymore

[@Z3t487]

So you never said again to someone else "Taxes should be lower?" Hard to believe that, Mr.

[@kyleherrera7511]

Couldn't. Agree. More.

[@candacewesley4794]

I see you’re a rapidash fan?

[@kyleherrera7511]

@@candacewesley4794 galarian to be exact lol, the fire one is ok

[@cesaralcaraz819]

Me too.

[@hounded3462]

When will society learn politics don’t help it only hurt

[@raycom201]

Well then, goodbye to civil rights then.

[@raycom201]

@@acpfullsends5190 who do you think passed the laws we have?

[@firemangan2731]

@@raycom201 A peice of paper does not decide weather we have rights or not, mother nature has already decided that.

[@firemangan2731]

@@raycom201 The same people who can take them away from us at any point. Politicians kinda has the power to control our lives (tho of course not 100% entirely, even if we live in a dictatorship).

[@raycom201]

@@firemangan2731 since when did Mother Nature include health care, education, and free speech?

[@dominiccolangelo4965]

Ahh finally, a comment section that’s not taking sides in politics. Nice.

[@j.s.raimes3993]

I see it in others and then reflect on myself and realize I'm prone to it too. Politics of late has become a downer for me because of how it can bring out the worst in people. Just wanna get into other things that don't affect me in the same way.

[@animefan2454]

tell me about it both sides annoy me.

[@slowrunn3r88]

As a leftist, my circle is almost entirely people so passionate that they won’t even humanize someone slightly Republican. Every time a heated issue pops up “if you don’t agree with me on this, then unfollow me/unfriend me!!!! You don’t deserve to see my content!!!!” But like… what’s the point of sharing all these resources to educate people on social media if… people who don’t agree…aren’t allowed to see them…? Do you only want people who already agree to see the educational resources? If they’re meant for people to learn and grow, then the whole “unfollow me if you don’t already agree with me!!!” Just pushes people back to their echo chambers…

[@kerryvanskonsol792]

Bruh, Democrats and Republicans is just same, politics are bullsh!t, we don't want someone control people and me, we have free will

[@RichardCranium.]

There is also lots of evidence to suggest politics have a genetic component. Tell your friends to watch some youtube videos on the "neuoscience of politics" or the "genetics of politics." The environment does play some role in someones political views but most people who are right wing will be psychologically right wing and most people who are left wing will be psychologically left wing.

[@ronmiller171]

you can take that extreme BS and go start another country on Mars! Not this planet! get out of the country!

[@Joel-yp4yt]

The problem is that people are addicted to getting angry; it's like eating packets of sugar -- instant gratification and no nutrition. They stay in silos and echo chambers in which critical thought is drowned out by idiots. I honestly don't know how we'll dig ourselves out.

[@macaroll]

"The problem is that people are addicted to getting angry; it's like eating packets of sugar - instant gratification and no nutrition." Wow. Just wow. Thank you for this. This is a very good realization.

[@shaunjimbangan1166]

Sugar is actually contains a high amount a calories, which is why our we are so attracted to it. The problem is that our bodies are only built to eat them in small amounts

[@zombies4evadude24]

@@shaunjimbangan1166exactly why it’s the perfect metaphor. Passionate debate is healthy but only in moderated doses.

[@1monthago860]

I've never seen ppl so frustrated over someone grabbing a chair. Hope that's enough to describe my frustration to politics.

[@JosiahJS976]

Nobody likes that one guy who just complains about political issues. And I agree, politics makes people go mad. Like what's happening right now.

[@fancygiant5181]

Having to walk away from friendships because people won't stop with the politics.

[@Nuhbuddys]

why does this have so few views?

[@robertcatesby7055]

Because everyone knows that they're right, everyone knows that their anger is justified, and they don't want to change.

[@blakforcedomain2687]

because youtube tries to hide everything they dont agree with, along with every other media outlet

[@gotemabk9024]

The sheep are sleeping in a false reality while their leaders gain money. Anybody who listens to them cant say anything to anybody whos known about the truth and can see the lies.

[@SarahZumbaParty]

I know right?? I think everyone needs to see this. So tired of politics and the way the media covers them.

[@sladejosephwilson2300]

Because people are insecure pussies that don't want to admit that they are wrong.

[@ECiT745]

Basically, politics is toxic.

[@thegingershow9676]

No, the internet is. Politics is useful, when done in a respectful manner. But that doesn’t get views does it? Why do you think everyone watches CNN or FOX, not C-Span? Instant gratification. We want to be entertained.

[@redwolf1541]

I wish there was a social media community that discuss topics like this

[@eamontdmas]

What's amazing from a European perspective is this: We have parties in the EU way to the right of the Republicans and others far to the left of the Democrats. From over here your two parties are seen as fairly close in policy terms. And yet the level of vitriol is incredible.

[@SoulDevoured]

Think that's part of the problem. There's a perspective bias that makes people think both their side and the other is more radical and life-changing than it actually is. America has leaned conservative for generations now. I think it's our cultural roots in general as this idea of the American dream (freedom to work up and make money) but definitely highly influenced by the red scare. It's only now that people are thinking that socialism might not be that bad. But there's only small pieces of that in government. But it is those pieces that people grasp for when demonizing the other party or deciding which to support. For the most part changes have been small and continued to lean in the same general direction. It's cuz we have no one else to vote for. Same reason Hollywood keeps putting out the same simple movies. Game developers will copycat successful games until they're dead. Literary publishers look to publish books that sound like other books. Low risk. Safe. Easy business. Simple and easily digested by people who don't have time and don't really care. Futuristic media feared in the future we would all look and act the same. Couldn't be further from the truth in individual expression but as for how we represent ourselves in media and choose to be represented in government...

[@RichardCranium.]

True. In the EU you can vote for nazis and you can also vote for communists. In the USA you can only vote for politicians in the middle but they hate each other more then the nazis and communists do.

[@ianpearson8976]

how is it possible to polarise individuals with complex views and thoughts into 50 vs 50 red vs blue.This is what politics has done well.People spend whole lives talking about it day and night.

[@kevinton7023]

People would bullied each other and make fun of each other and will bring unrelated subjects, just to win an argument. This is why people will choose not to get involved in politics and would rather just Netflix and Chill.

[@Abcd-df2ep]

Even when you choose Netflix as a brand it's a politic. It's politic everywhere without you even realizing. The best way is not to get into argument with someone with different political views. Learn more, prejudices less, just keep one political view to ourselves and respect different perspectives, it'll sure be much peaceful that way i reckon.

[@zebruh2794]

I love how this guy is having anxiety but he spread words to open people eyes

[@anushreeemusic]

Understood this the hard way. People don't want to change their political view. No point trying. Fought close family over it. One distant relative asked opinion on an issue and then kept bullying me for hours while I stayed quiet like man you are not even worth talking to. Of course it got me super angry and I burnt the bridge forever.

[@thegingershow9676]

You don’t have to fight over politics. Chill the f out, right?

[@jaykobwalson1941]

I'm not brave enough for politics.

[@ultimazillarex1076]

No reasonable person is.

[@Tttrg]

3 years later and we still fail to see the flat line we are at

[@aureliagrey8072]

*Stands up and applauds for 40 days straight*

[@manfredlorenz1831]

Came here after getting mad from arguing online with someone. This helped me calm down.

[@hyperhurracan1324]

Eventually our country would fall apart because of politics. so by picking a side it won’t change because it would just divide all of us to eventually having our own country falling apart and making us weak.

[@Mpritchard1995]

Something I taught myself life isn’t being about political life isn’t about arguing or debating life is about living no point getting emotional on the stupidest of issues people come up with and in which cases natural disasters and climate change people get so pissed off about it to the point you find yourself arguing over that instead of people who are suffering

[@emmamckenzie5503]

Oh thank the lord I thought I was the only one who thinks like this. I stop watching late night talk shows, polotical podcasts, and the news about halfway through an election year because it's so annoying.

[@nomnomstirn1532]

Anyone else hate when a person comments in a video just to say hateful political nonsense when the video ain’t even about politics?

[@ECiT745]

💯

[@hectic1830]

“Politics was good a hundred years ago. Today, politicians have no ability to solve any problems because they are not students of behavior. They are not students of agriculture, oceanography - they know nothing about the factors that operate the world.”- Jacque Fresco

[@babu357]

A big part of political arguments these days is people are getting less and less able to communicate in general. No one listens and talks over each other to "win". People want quick answers and no longer discuss things as adults.

[@tristancarr2112]

This is honestly one of the most important and useful Ted talks I've ever heard, and I'm sad by it's low viewership

[@tapashyarasaily1373]

Politics= poly+'ticks'🦗🐜...my bro said that once....

[@Pepsidoll33]

Why I never realized that?! Perfect! 😂 I hate politics and ticks so that makes totally sense to me.

[@anushreeemusic]

We here in India really need to hear this.

[@johnsiegrist7892]

This guy is on another level of brilliance! Incredibly insightful reflection on our current state in politics

[@abrahampalmer8761]

Indeed

[@SpaceMonkeyBoi]

"Politics" starts with the letter "p" "Poison" also starts with the letter "p" Coincidence? I THINK NOT

[@Josh-rn1em]

pNAZI begins with p too!!!!!!! 🤔🤔

[@sapphire8644]

I laughed too hard at this

[@thomasfisher4833]

(I think it'a a coincidence)

[@ruffalo1643]

I even thought of it as Cyanide vs Arsenic.

[@margo5919]

The center is still there, we just need to feed it.

[@Dragonaut111]

Being a politician shouldn't be a career... at some point that politician ascends into a political class and bubble, then they become detached from the real world and people they represent. Have a maximum term like the president.

[@bmerritt2433]

It's just sad that the power to regulate this rests in the hands of voters, and they openly support the career politicians. In other words, to implement such limits that benefit everyone would be working against what people (apparently) want. Is it okay to do what is good for someone if it isn't what they want?

[@user-jk9rh9gn8u]

Politicans this day and age are a joke and use Serious issues for votes JFK actually had balls to go against the CIA Politicans are too scared to fight the CIA JFK was killed cause he wanted to Let the American people know that Something ain't right with politics And because he died we are stuck with fake wokes and Cringe hat people

[@grimmason7377]

It more being a leader now

[@isaiahsimmons5776]

I think it more of how we corrupt views of politics, we should make more clear and fair view points.

[@amitkakade4647]

@R.A.M That should happen..

[@dedded1968]

@@amitkakade4647 should doesn't mean will. That seems to be what everyone is worried about.

[@115Carssssssssss]

I always hear people from Hong Kong say that if you don’t care about politics and fight against the government, politics will trouble you in the future. However, I would prefer facing problems in the future, rather than dealing with all those freedom, democracy and China issues, fighting against people who I have ideological difference with, I don’t like politics overwhelming my own life, as I am already stressed enough with my work.

[@user-jk9rh9gn8u]

Same I don't care about issues if it doesn't affect me I don't care and politics can be damaging to ones mental health

[@alomode1039]

One of the few politicalish videos I have watched where I agree with most comments, which is kind of sad to be honest 😂 😭

[@glenwicks4976]

Might as well make the U.S. two countries. The Democratic States of America and The Republic States of America. Absolutely ridiculous.

[@user-jk9rh9gn8u]

Yup

[@Themfeels101]

They tried that, it didn't work, that's how the Civil War started.

[@glenwicks4976]

@@Themfeels101 Yeah, but it's like some people don't want to gravitate away from that type of mentality.

[@user-sb7iy5nw9b]

I blame Trump's polarization of America.

[@mayanksingh.b2.307]

But ,The Question is how to stay away from these Politics.

[@tomy796]

Here’s some tips: 1. Don’t speak about politics 2. Make sure you don’t pay attention to anything political 3. If someone decides to take about politics, change the subject 4. Don’t ever vote 5. Live your life the way you want to live it 👍

[@mayanksingh.b2.307]

@@tomy796 well explained 👌👌

[@Mr.Coffee576]

@@tomy796 easy to say, I am surrounded by friends that talk nothing but politics. Since 2020, the poltical convo gotten even worse with lockdowns. And the worst of all, now I'm addicted to poltiics. 6 years ago, I didn't care about poltiics and life used to be simple.

[@cesaralcaraz819]

Gokul Narayan then simply get new friends that don't talk about it.

[@cesaralcaraz819]

Tomy exactly, well said.

[@swafty5813]

The fact that this only has 26k views is pretty baffling.

[@Someone-lf2si]

Swafty It's because people who are serious when it comes to politics don't want the truth

[@swafty5813]

@@Someone-lf2si it's even weirder that this video is like 3 years old.

[@alexselg]

Love this talk. An increasingly important topic and deserves way more views/eyes on it

[@53i36]

My friend became so political that we couldn't even enjoy shows or movies without him bringing politics I left him and he still continues being political

[@cesaralcaraz819]

I love this comment section, glad to see so many people have similar thoughts as to what I'm having about this matter.

[@neviewchannel]

Left wing or right wing, go outside and touch grass.

[@hiliax]

fax

[@kerryvanskonsol792]

That's true

[@randomguythatexists2244]

“Why care about a lost cause, they have failed, so why worry when it’s not your fault?”

[@spaceboundlad2622]

Amazing talk 👌🏼

[@bmerritt2433]

It is beautiful, in a way...the fact that people are so naïve, even though it leads to snakes taking advantage of them. It is evidence, this naivete, that there is innocence still in their hearts. This innocence is fertile ground for the belief that will not mislead, but save them all, someday.

[@anushreeemusic]

Beautiful. I thought on similar lines. ❤

[@jessie844]

As a lover of politics, it makes me feel sad that we have gotten to low point

[@user-fc4dh6kt3c]

Any Apolitical People here?

[@EbilEnemyofBurgerTown]

Me

[@redrunner666]

getting there

[@kenobigaming5755]

Me

[@sarcasticauthor9242]

Sup

[@cesaralcaraz819]

Lol, new member here.

[@Saint696Anger]

I came over here because of the complete bs going on pre election day

[@Woopor]

I absolutely hate politics. All it is is just rich people arguing over who should be richer and yet contributing to the cycle of hate and corruption is seen as good? I literally saw a voting ad in my state with little muppet things singing about how everyone is a contributive citizen except some one guy who didn’t vote.

[@voxhistoria]

This is awesome.

[@caronsada5110]

Sharing this with my Psychology and Culture class - thank you!

[@mrsucc2138]

We're inching towards a Cyberpunk future.

[@SoulDevoured]

When people treat leadership like a competition instead of a collaboration this is what happens. Imagine people trying to make a movie and constantly undermining each other's decisions and arguing with each other and trying to make them look bad in public. There has been movies made with those problems. They're almost all universally some of the worst movies ever made.

[@vanyac6448]

My approach to politics is to just keep most of my concern local, among people who are actually affected by things and to whom I can actually talk. Trust local news over Fox, CNN, and MSNBC. Vote in national elections but keep involvement besides that, local. Be skeptical of any politicians claims, expect them to be overblown. I think that both Democrats' concerns about the US losing its democracy to the MAGA crowd and Republicans' concern about critical race theory are both overblown just to get votes and money. Most importantly, don't tie up your identity into political issues. Tying up your identity into that is what causes people to lose friends and family to politics. I personally register a political preference, but not because I prefer a political over another, but because I want to vote in that party's primary. That's my only reason for listing a party preference.

[@jimmywilliams4257]

Finally thank you 😊

[@eswan8900]

I hope Fridge runs in 2024 too. I’d vote for them.

[@kshitijkumar5629]

I have lost many friends because of this politics.

[@dinosilone7613]

Great talk. I especially liked the graphic showing an inverse relationship between knowledge and passion. What we see is that the best way to maximize passion is to minimize knowledge, and the best way to do that is to destroy trust in all means for acquiring real knowledge. So we’re enjoined to hate the media, particularly the “reputable” media referred to in this talk (the NYT, Washington Post, WSJ, ..., “fake news”). We’re told to distrust science and scientists - they’re all a bunch of elitists aiming to destroy our economy. We’re told that universities, i.e. the places we go to get real knowledge, are simply indoctrination centers for the left. We’re told that public schools and teachers are the enemy, and that trying to impose some national standards for education is a plot to undermine our culture. This is a great message, but I’m afraid that nobody will hear it. Knowledge is out-of-fashion nowadays. I’m not sure there’s a way out of this hole.

[@harddick9258]

@@WholesomeDough it was bound to happen sadly

[@platinumdm7099]

True knowledge of the heart & the mind are neccisity for making almost any fitting/correct decision for whatever situations we find ourselves in.

[@platinumdm7099]

@dino silone

[@Z3t487]

Oh school told me The Earth revolves around the Sun...but my true knowledge tells me it's the opposite!1!1!1!1!1! F schools1!1!1!1!1!1

[@farter_snail]

[basically what every other comment is saying but im saying it also] also some people say that it’s a necessity to get into politics when it’s really not literally just let the other people do the work, they’ll be too busy arguing instead of living their life and having fun both sides are self-victimizing narcissists. a house cannot stand divided against itself

[@tomy796]

THANK YOU 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@thomasfisher4833]

Well, I take a side, and you've just called me a self-victimising narcissist. Can you see how that might start an arguement? But I'll try not to start that arguement. Instead I'll say: I'm a leftist, and as a middle class straight white male, I have almost nothing to gain from my political viewpoints. I want the world to be a better place for disadvantaged people because I believe that everybody deserves happiness. (And I am not a disadvantaged person.) Perhaps I am a narcissist, but I don't see how I'm self-victimising.

[@anushreeemusic]

We too are, if not equally, guilty for staying silent on issues that may harm others. I agree the cost benefit ratio is bad. Debating with loved ones may not change things on a large scale and ruin the relationship instead. But it's important to talk at an individual level if you want to change anything, especially politics. It's been extremely hard for me. I have gone back and forth from deciding not to speak on it ever to learning to choose my words, timing, issue and sometimes people too. Some people just want to debate to pull you down. You are not supposed to fight. Yes many people are of that kind today but not most. They may be hard wired, but you can try talking to them, not on the internet though. It can be of no use, but keep trying. (:

[@gamedude108]

For me politics are for old people lol

[@user-jk9rh9gn8u]

Sadly My Generation got involved

[@yoelarmasjr.5660]

Politics can be summed up as this Politicians: Mine! Mine! Mine! Mine! Mine! Mine! Mine! Mine! Mine! Mine! Mine! Me: Would you just shut up?! You’re rats with wings!

[@lydiatesfay5577]

This video needs more views

[@damonteforney8076]

I always thought it was hard to ignore politics, in the same way it would be hard not to take sides when it comes to politics. I've always believe in being independent and not studying the media or politicians when it comes politics. there is alot of deception when it comes to this topic.

[@darkspiro6467]

I agree politics has gotten so bad I worry that it will be the thing that ends humanity if anything it's the most exploitable thing of humanity

[@mickeytwister4721]

Good speech

[@thethinkingbeing9817]

*IF WE WANT TO ADVANCE OUR SOCIETY TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE FUTURE, WE NEED SCIENCE, NOT TIRED OLD MEN AFRAID OF A CHANGING WORLD.*

[@musicmonkey5798]

Wow I'm speechless you couldn't have said it better

[@Hello-or8gg]

Why the caps lock tho?

[@hussyweissshutup1275]

in a nutshell.

[@cesaralcaraz819]

Yes!!! Agreed!

[@JJ-yn4cj]

Yeah. The problem is it is always the people with power that never want to give it up to help those that need it the most. The same is true for every country regardless of what culture the dominant one is, what religion if any is the national it is always the same. The average person with the most privilege is always the most oblivious to it and they get pissy when you point it out because then it means their problems don't get the most attention anymore. How is anyone supposed to change something for the better of society?

[@sirazazeloflowkey6424]

That picture with the sheep and wolf poster ; The poster should have said "I am going to take you out for dinner."

[@SantaFe19484]

Wonderful video! I have been more informed about the world from watching Geography Now than from any news source.

[@lauriemayne7436]

Eckhart Tolle answered this one when he said: “the greatest achievement of humanity is not its works of art, science or technology but the recognition of its own dysfunction, its own madness.” Goethe said as much. As did Voltaire. And David Lloyd George and George Bernard Shaw along with so many others. Christopher Hitchens put his finger right on it: "This planet is used as a penal colony, lunatic asylum and dumping ground by a superior civilisation, to get rid of the undesirable and unfit." We're it. If you remain undecided or sceptical, read the New Testament's Matt 7:13-14 and weep your poor fracking heart out.

[@abhijithsajeev9718]

Being apolitical is a privilege that many of us will never have. Privilege is invisible to those who have it.

[@cesaralcaraz819]

Yes!!

[@YTN1112]

There’s a difference between somewhat political and extremely potlical. Although it’s almost impossible to be totally apolitical, social media has driven people down the rabit hole on both sides, but in reality people are a lot more varied on opinions. It’s very hard not to become overboard political on social media, it’s like quicksand. Independent is the more accurate word for this. That’s what I am now.

[@abhijithsajeev9718]

@@cesaralcaraz819 First of all, we need to learn how to respect others opinions and politics even if we are extremely against such views. Hate against a political faction only brings more problems and destruction 🙂

[@fullario]

How has being political benefited your life? Genuinely curious.

[@thomasfisher4833]

​@@fullario So, you think people should only care about politics if it affects them personally? If they have something to gain? That... doesn't sound ideal. Can't I care about politics because I care about other people?

[@skillbuilderzone]

I wish we all worked to make earth a better place but no, we will fight and explore mars

[@bottomtext593]

Ah so you are basically explaining Twitter?

[@personperson9588]

Killer presentation.

[@markwiedeman7271]

I wish i saw this a long time ago

[@radar0412]

The founding Fathers knew that our Constitution may need to be Amended in the future. It's our fault for just taking sides and not amending the Constitution to change our Political system so we can't let our Political leaders pit us against each other so that you'll vote for them.

[@env0x]

Just what I wanted to know. thanks TedX

[@scenario1741]

New York Times is no longer a good source :(