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How to Find Humor in Life’s Absurdity | Maira Kalman | TED

With levity and profound insight, artist Maira Kalman reflects on life, death, dinner parties, not knowing the right answers, the joys of eating a hot dog from a street vendor and more. This talk, interwoven with her delightful paintings, is itself an artwork that seems to hold the entirety of life in all its absurd…

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With levity and profound insight, artist Maira Kalman reflects on life, death, dinner parties, not knowing the right answers, the joys of eating a hot dog from a street vendor and more. This talk, interwoven with her delightful paintings, is itself an artwork that seems to hold the entirety of life in all its absurd glory.

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29 Comments

29 Comments

  1. @AssadUllaah

    December 7, 2023 at 11:56 am

    Hay

  2. @BoRodgers

    December 7, 2023 at 11:56 am

    Here ????❤

  3. @AssadUllaah

    December 7, 2023 at 11:56 am

    First comment ????????

  4. @lyn.g4547

    December 7, 2023 at 11:56 am

    Firstt

  5. @buckfuckem7056

    December 7, 2023 at 11:56 am

    Hello

  6. @user-ct2pn8mo5w

    December 7, 2023 at 11:57 am

    I really love it❤❤❤❤❤

  7. @Ebieriterich

    December 7, 2023 at 11:57 am

    31 like under 32secs❤❤❤❤

  8. @user-ho9kv6ww3x

    December 7, 2023 at 11:58 am

    That’s right

  9. @dameanvil

    December 7, 2023 at 11:58 am

    00:32 ???? Embracing humor even in darker aspects of life can offer a unique perspective, like the irony of a philosopher who found life horrible yet lived to 85.
    02:05 ☕ Reflecting on mortality through morning obituaries can serve as a reminder of life’s fragility and encourage a sense of action.
    03:36 ???? Considering the vastness of time and the universe can provide perspective when facing daily choices or dilemmas.
    04:42 ???? Knowledge, humor, and imagination can blend into a unique perception of reality, as demonstrated by a map of the United States made from memory.
    05:43 ???? Silence can be a valuable asset, sparing one from the regrets or complications that often come with speaking.
    06:16 ???? Being open to experiences, even if they challenge or unsettle, can lead to unexpected moments of connection, camaraderie, and joy.
    07:17 ???? Embracing contradictions and allowing oneself to exist in multiple states can foster liberation and creativity in work and life.
    08:50 ???? Balancing self-doubt and self-confidence is crucial in finding purpose and joy in creative endeavors.
    09:50 ????‍♂ Walking without a particular purpose can open the mind to ideas and unexpected moments, promoting a sense of well-being.
    10:57 ???? Women, as well as men, hold various aspects of life, embodying resilience, love, and the weight of responsibilities in different ways.

  10. @NAW32Nicoisme

    December 7, 2023 at 12:30 pm

    Wkwkwkwkw????????????????????

  11. @coreycg5211

    December 7, 2023 at 12:48 pm

    shes great

  12. @K4R3N

    December 7, 2023 at 1:01 pm

    Camus approves this talk

    • @TennesseeJed

      December 7, 2023 at 7:01 pm

      I agree!

  13. @sarunasgelazauskas

    December 7, 2023 at 1:08 pm

    7:12:55 Can we all appreciate how much effort he puts in her videos????

  14. @ewonnestrand7298

    December 7, 2023 at 2:36 pm

    ????❤

  15. @user-le9pv5ou1u

    December 7, 2023 at 3:07 pm

    Cryptocurrencies to take for bullrun 2024: ????????
    $SHIB
    $TRU – TrueFi
    $LEVER
    $BNB
    Let’s earn money.!.

  16. @andycordy5190

    December 7, 2023 at 4:50 pm

    Stupendous. Thank you!

  17. @urmwhynot

    December 7, 2023 at 8:40 pm

    Her sense of humour around absurdity is so soothing

  18. @jonathandiaz4997

    December 7, 2023 at 8:57 pm

    9 hours ago ????

  19. @thanksforstoppingby

    December 7, 2023 at 10:22 pm

    Love to Maira ❤

  20. @BUY_YT_VIEWS_d129

    December 7, 2023 at 11:50 pm

    You’ve transformed a skeptic into a believer!

  21. @mariaantoniettamontella9173

    December 8, 2023 at 4:23 am

    grandiosa

  22. @JF-kv1gm

    December 10, 2023 at 2:22 am

    Just found myself crying watching the film of ABT eating a hotdog and dancing down the street. A wonderful talk, I’m not familiar with Maira Kalman so now know how I shall spend part of today! Thank you for posting.

  23. @siraj3351

    December 10, 2023 at 12:35 pm

    Very disjointed, unexpected, uncertain, humorous and lovely talk about things in life we cherish

  24. @siraj_-khan

    December 10, 2023 at 12:35 pm

    Very disjointed, unexpected, uncertain, humorous and lovely talk about things in life we cherish

  25. @ktvaj126

    December 10, 2023 at 2:11 pm

    Mus qhov twg lawm os kwv Ted

  26. @Chalie-linga0258

    December 11, 2023 at 8:30 am

    10:48

  27. @Saeedeh84

    December 11, 2023 at 11:11 pm

    ❤❤❤

  28. @celestialcircledance

    December 12, 2023 at 7:38 am

    I was impressed that she got me to chuckle since that’s no easy task and I added “Women holding things,” to my Amazon list list for gifting !

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People & Blogs

I Thought I Was Lazy. Turns Out I Had a Sleep Disorder | Lindsay Scola | TED

For more than two decades, sleep health educator Lindsay Scola attributed her never-ending exhaustion to long hours and demanding jobs. When she was diagnosed with narcolepsy, she finally got the wake-up call that transformed her life. In this rousing talk, she discusses the epidemic of undiagnosed sleep disorders and encourages you to ask yourself: Is…

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For more than two decades, sleep health educator Lindsay Scola attributed her never-ending exhaustion to long hours and demanding jobs. When she was diagnosed with narcolepsy, she finally got the wake-up call that transformed her life. In this rousing talk, she discusses the epidemic of undiagnosed sleep disorders and encourages you to ask yourself: Is your tiredness different? (Recorded at TEDxSonomaCounty on March 7, 2026)

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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 videos may be used for non-commercial purposes under a Creative Commons License, Attribution–Non Commercial–No Derivatives (or the CC BY – NC – ND 4.0 International) and in accordance with the TED Talks Usage Policy: . For more information on using TED for commercial purposes (e.g. employee learning, in a film or online course), submit a request at

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CNET

Breakthrough Glasses Slow Myopia in Kids — What It’s Like to Order Stellest

Half the world’s population is expected to be nearsighted in 25 years, and eye care professionals are pushing new treatments to slow the progression of worsening vision in kids. Essilor Stellest glasses became the first eyeglasses approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for controlling myopia in kids. Bridget Carey discovered her daughter is…

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Half the world’s population is expected to be nearsighted in 25 years, and eye care professionals are pushing new treatments to slow the progression of worsening vision in kids. Essilor Stellest glasses became the first eyeglasses approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for controlling myopia in kids. Bridget Carey discovered her daughter is a candidate for the treatment, and walks through the journey of ordering and living with Stellest frames and lenses.

You can find the products mentioned in this video linked below
*CNET may get a commission on these offers

Read more about it on CNET.com

Timecode Chapters:
00:00 – Intro: A New Tech for Kids’ Eyesight
00:26 – The Growing Myopia Crisis & Causes
00:50 – How Stellest Lenses Work & Long-Term Eye Risks
03:32 – Alternative Treatments for Myopia
04:09 – Fitting, Frames, and Features
05:46 – Follow-Up Care & Guarantee
06:22 – Real-World Results & Final Thoughts

Video Credits:
Host: Bridget Carey
Scripted by: Bridget Carey
Producer: Carly Marsh
Camera:Carly Marsh
Video Editor: Jon Gomez
Thumbnail Designer: Zooey Liao

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People & Blogs

Campaigns Spend Millions to Influence Voters. This Works Better | Katie Paris | TED

Katie Paris quit her career in Washington, DC, to figure out how to make politics feel less like strangers shouting at each other and more like friends looking out for each other. In this practical talk, she reveals why conversations between real people can have a bigger impact on elections than anything millions of campaign…

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Katie Paris quit her career in Washington, DC, to figure out how to make politics feel less like strangers shouting at each other and more like friends looking out for each other. In this practical talk, she reveals why conversations between real people can have a bigger impact on elections than anything millions of campaign dollars can buy. (Recorded at TED Democracy Philadelphia on June 13, 2026)

Join us in person at a TED conference:
Become a TED Member to support our mission:
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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.

Watch more:

TED videos may be used for non-commercial purposes under a Creative Commons License, Attribution–Non Commercial–No Derivatives (or the CC BY – NC – ND 4.0 International) and in accordance with the TED Talks Usage Policy: . For more information on using TED for commercial purposes (e.g. employee learning, in a film or online course), submit a request at

#TED #TEDTalks #Community

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