The Future of the American Dream: Sean Ogle at TEDxCMU 2012

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[@papacolor]

Awesome talk! One of the most engaging TED talks I've watched to date :)
And, I LOVE the quote "There are only seven days in a week, and someday isn’t one of them."

[@Sarah-ps6yb]

What does he mean with this quote?

[@phloem4]

I appreciated hearing his story, and I respect his courage to follow his dreams. My critique is that he can't compare himself to 40, 50, 60 year olds who have a wife and kids. The risk to pursue uncertainty at that stage is incalculably higher than what he risked. Furthermore, there is joy and satisfaction from your investment in family and the generations that you will impact (your children's children), that you can't start to appreciate until you are in your 40s, 50s, and 60s.

[@LocationRebel]

Much appreciated, glad you enjoyed it :)

[@CaelanHuntress]

"The path of least resistance." It's totally how most people live their lives. Everything interesting, though, is on the other side of resistance.

[@LocationRebel]

Thanks man! Almost didn't include that line, but glad I did :)

[@yosoypatrick]

I almost want to thank your old boss for not agreeing to your original proposal, if had said yes, would you have ended up on the TED stage?

[@MrScoodles]

A different way to think about this is to avoid certainty to begin with. The entrapment that comes from a steady job is fueled by loss aversion. You can preemptively avoid that loss aversion by avoiding a permanent solution.

[@PauloRibeiroo]

Really good, Sean. Inspiring.
Funny comment about Brazil ;)

[@danthadon87]

I don't get it. How did he quit his job if he got fired? 13:02

[@abhromukherjee841]

Good talk

[@vikingsmashbrewing5101]

Hey man, can you turn up the volume?

[@animepls]

He was thinking of quitting his job for a long time, then he got fired. If you have been in the situation you know what it means.

[@effbott]

Yeah buddy!

[@MichaelTenQi]

NEATO!

[@LiborSupcik]

Brilliand 2 sentences yet the 3rd one?.. -> How is it that life as a 'temporary' solution = Not having things to lose? You may be after something here...

[@LocationRebel]

My best guess? Absolutely not :)