From where should we stand and view the ever shifting patterns of the world? TED is an international, transdisciplinary platform for new ideas both big and small. A forum in which Lund University seeks to bring us closer to the answers.
Skissernas museum in Lund became the scene for just such discussions and contributions which strived to spread “The ideas worth spreading” which TED so attentively reminds us. The pressure had been high and those lucky enough to have been allotted a ticket filled the seats quickly in front of the stage, which was nestled between the artistic masters of the 20th century. A fitting platform for the afternoon of ideas ahead.
“The museum has offered us the perfect platform for the spreading and discussion of transdisciplinary research and concepts” says Susanna Bill, the host for the afternoon.
The theme of ‘perspectives’ offered a broad spectrum of topics and ideas which have a pragmatic relevance to the world we live in.
Be it from the cognitive zoologist Mathias Osvath; who discusses the genetic lines of intelligence which we can trace back to the cradle of life.
“Where there is life, there is intelligence” says Osvath.
These were ideas on a very massive scale in contrast to those of Biologist Marie Dacke; whose research into the life of dung beetles in the Kalahari explained their ways of navigating and mapping their surroundings via the night sky.
Among other speakers on the tight schedule, American writer Rebecca Walker caught the audiences attention as she vividly dissected the fractured American educational society.
“Sadly the American educational system has slowly been formed as a school to prison pipeline.”
A situation which she argues is a benefactor of misjudged ideals and conservative ideals which hold back modernization in the educational system.
Rebecca Walker punctuated the fact that ‘openness’ is a virtue which we have lost through our differences and the expectations which are placed upon us to perform as ‘normal members of society.’
These are differences which Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil knows all to well as a homosexual in a strictly conservative society. During his ten minute speech, he asked the audience to look at Indian concepts on perspective.
“Focus in itself is everything, what you may see is probably the complete opposite to what your neighbour see’s” Prince Manvendra stated in his talk.
Organiser Johan Nyman lauded that the event had in itself gone beyond his expectations.
“We’re proud of the depth and breath of the perspectives which we’ve been able to host today and the fact that we’re doing it in Lund”
This being a Lund University initiative, Nyman hopes that the event has drawn enough interest for future possibilities on an even larger scale.
“I would like to broaden the audiences for next time.”
Leaving TEDx Lund University, filled with new ideas and concepts, I can’t agree more. These new perspectives are something that everyone should be able to take knowledge from.
