People & Blogs

Democracy isn’t a thing you have — it’s a thing you do. #TEDTalks

Published

8 months ago

August 19, 2025

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If you think democracy is some kind of inevitable, default setting for the world, then you aren’t going to have it for very long, says historian and author Timothy Snyder. From World War I to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Snyder dives into the structures that uplift and tear down political systems, offering a historical perspective on the current state of democracy around the world as well as the patterns of thought that lead to tyranny. Learn more about a new approach to democracy that could help create and protect a future of freedom.

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14 Comments

@TED

August 19, 2025 at 12:51 pm

This clip was from a live TED Member conversation. Join us for future events by becoming a member today!

Reply
@joeyg283

August 19, 2025 at 1:13 pm

Well said. 💯

Reply
@jerrygrinnell2290

August 19, 2025 at 1:14 pm

*constitutional republic *

Reply
@jf-jx4ym

August 19, 2025 at 3:20 pm

Is Democracy More cruel than other ways,towards other living things… if it exists?

Reply
@RobertSteiner-tl2wz

August 19, 2025 at 6:37 pm

We are a constitutional republic not a democracy, what is the point of the Ted talk.

Reply
@toddgardner2826

August 19, 2025 at 7:42 pm

Democracy is “mob rule,” and the mob is brutal and vicious. I like our constitutional republic.

Reply
@Nichole8609

August 19, 2025 at 10:24 pm

Timothy Snyder has taught me so much about what freedom means. I never went to college. But if given the chance, I would take only one class and that would be his class. His books have opened my eyes and mind to the country I live and having an understanding of other countries

Reply
@dcmirk

August 20, 2025 at 1:00 am

Democracy is great so long as the Republicans are in control and the Democrats have no power. Simple

Reply
@Ever-x4o

August 20, 2025 at 4:15 am

Democracy only can exist if decentralisation of power is possible and not over taken by centralisation

Reply
@catsploitation

August 20, 2025 at 5:42 am

He’s using Dharma principles (Buddhist) applied to political reality and he’s absolutely right.

Reply
@EA-tc6kb

August 20, 2025 at 6:08 am

Until a monopoly starts capturing the institutions that uphold it.

Reply
@lulu111_the_cool

August 20, 2025 at 10:15 am

Not rule. Decided.

Reply
@justoneman3916

August 20, 2025 at 1:03 pm

More importantly, if Democracy falls in the US would anyone hear it?

Reply
@LordAugastus

August 21, 2025 at 8:22 pm

Democracy died, when we gave money power then gave all the money to the 1%,once again spawning a ruling owner class…. Turns out then they can work us like slaves, and don’t give us time to participate in family, community or even democratic process.. Ironic isn’t it in a way

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People & Blogs

Being surrounded by puppies all day and helping people in need? Talk about a DREAM job! #TEDTalks

Published

8 hours ago

April 9, 2026

CYBER TECH TV

People & Blogs

Which Idea Wins Over 4,000 People? | Amman | TED Idea Search

Published

12 hours ago

April 9, 2026

CYBER TECH TV

The TED Idea Search wraps up in Amman, Jordan, in a 2,000-year-old Roman amphitheater and in front of a crowd of 4,000. What unfolds inside those stone walls is something the series hasn’t quite seen before: speakers shaped by the weight of living in a region the world tends to define for itself. From a mountaineer who turned grief into motivation to a therapist rewriting the Arab world’s language around mental health, the final city makes the strongest case yet that the best ideas can come from anywhere.

Watch the full talks from the TEDxAmman Idea Search:

00:00 – Intro
3:24 – Rehearsals
16:00 – The Talks
36:28 – Deliberation
38:48 – The Winner Is…

The most interesting ideas often come from the most unexpected places. We searched the globe for ideas with the power to inspire, motivate and change lives — and we found them at @TEDx events around the world. The TED Idea Search follows extraordinary speakers from 9 countries competing for a spot on the TED main stage in Vancouver this April.

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The TED Talks channel features the best talks and performances from the TED Conference, where the world’s leading thinkers and doers give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes (or less) — plus originals, podcasts and exclusive content. Look for videos on Technology, Entertainment and Design as well as science, business, global issues, the arts and more. Visit for our entire library, transcripts, translations and personalized recommendations.

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#TED #TEDTalks #TEDIdeaSearch

People & Blogs

How to Confront Your Inner Critic (W/ Anu Gupta) | How to Be a Better Human | TED

How do you quieten the judgmental voice in your head? Educator and entrepreneur Anu Gupta suggests you actually listen to it.Anu joins Chris to discuss the effects of human biases on our psyche and how to combat self-destructive habits by swapping out harmful emotions with constructive thoughts. They also talk about how individuals, when they…

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1 day ago

April 8, 2026

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