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The Fine Art of Fibbing | Athena Kugblenu | TED

Comedian and writer Athena Kugblenu has a hot take: we’re all liars, and that’s OK. Exploring the line between the little lies that do no harm and the big, self-serving whoppers you’d best avoid, she offers a crucial question to ask yourself to help determine if honesty is the best policy — or if a…

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Comedian and writer Athena Kugblenu has a hot take: we’re all liars, and that’s OK. Exploring the line between the little lies that do no harm and the big, self-serving whoppers you’d best avoid, she offers a crucial question to ask yourself to help determine if honesty is the best policy — or if a fib might best fit the situation. (Recorded at TEDNext 2024 on October 22, 2024)

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15 Comments

15 Comments

  1. @RjEman

    September 26, 2025 at 11:06 am

    Nahhh Don’t lie 😂 you won’t be trusted no more

    Reply

  2. @AgokMabior-d3k

    September 26, 2025 at 11:13 am

    Sure 😅😅😅

    Reply

  3. @ZainabAtaei-e3u

    September 26, 2025 at 12:00 pm

    That was the funniest Ted I saw today 😂😂😂😂

    Reply

  4. @Mathayas_

    September 26, 2025 at 12:07 pm

    I remember as a child being told it was ok to tell little lies sometimes. As an adult I look back and think ‘wow, that’s terrible advice’.
    Don’t lie kids, the truth isn’t always pleasant but that just means there is something wrong with you that needs to be sorted out.

    Reply

  5. @shsamoor

    September 26, 2025 at 12:12 pm

    Disappointing, and perfectly presenting the cause of lots of our discrepancies in modern life…

    Reply

  6. @zapbutton8553

    September 26, 2025 at 12:15 pm

    OK i get the Point, thanks for your Talk ! 😊
    … still,
    I rather have a friend who blurts Out His truth and at least inconveniences me, but when i don’t lie either it can’t Hurt me.
    No lie, since the children psychologist taught me only ever to promise consequences i would really be able and willing to make come true would make my children respect my parenting, it became so much more real and better.
    Good Points about who will benefit, but i still hold Up the flag for honesty, as a life value, social Grace can come with distraction, when you know they don’t want the honest answer, find the squirrel in the picture, rather than lying.
    Because assuming anyone wouldn’t want the truth is hurting you in the long run.
    I lost a few aquaintances by being honest, but the people i call Friends told me they know they can Trust me. I feel that’s a greater value than “more“ Friends.

    Reply

  7. @TheJeffCorn

    September 26, 2025 at 12:40 pm

    She even lied about the pronunciation of British. I love that kind of dedication to an art.

    Reply

  8. @IthatengMokgoro

    September 26, 2025 at 12:51 pm

    No lies told here.

    Reply

  9. @JossanBorba

    September 26, 2025 at 12:55 pm

    All true 😂

    Reply

  10. @gehteuchnixan9027

    September 26, 2025 at 2:01 pm

    I asked Trump. There no limit for lies…😂

    Reply

  11. @wesleymarshall6563

    September 26, 2025 at 10:13 pm

    What terrible advice

    Reply

  12. @twoyuber

    September 26, 2025 at 11:27 pm

    what

    Reply

  13. @yvettebautista5470

    September 27, 2025 at 3:28 am

    I still believe that we should be honest but in situations where we lying is inevitable, your advice is helpful. Thinking of who will benefit a lie is useful!

    Reply

    • @JM-740

      September 27, 2025 at 9:28 am

      Lying is never inevitable. Lying is wrong

      Reply

  14. @ethandrood

    September 27, 2025 at 4:28 am

    This sentence is a lie.

    Reply

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The Controversial Climate Tool Funding Real Change | Sandeep Roy Choudhury | TED

If a company plants trees to offset its pollution, is that climate progress — or is it greenwashing? Critics of carbon markets say it’s the latter. But Sandeep Roy Choudhury, who’s spent two decades financing climate projects from rural cookstoves to coastal forests, says the real failure is discouraging companies from even trying. Hear his…

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If a company plants trees to offset its pollution, is that climate progress — or is it greenwashing? Critics of carbon markets say it’s the latter. But Sandeep Roy Choudhury, who’s spent two decades financing climate projects from rural cookstoves to coastal forests, says the real failure is discouraging companies from even trying. Hear his case for why we shouldn’t let perfection block meaningful action on climate change. (Recorded at TED Countdown Summit 2025 on June 17, 2025)

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How to Be a Great Listener | Maegan Stephens, Nicole Lowenbraun | TED

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The TED Talks channel features talks, performances and original series from the world’s leading thinkers and doers. Subscribe to our channel for videos on Technology, Entertainment and Design — plus science, business, global issues, the arts and more. Visit to get our entire library of TED Talks, transcripts, translations, personalized talk recommendations and more.

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Have you heard of aphantasia? Here’s what it is — and how to know if you have it #TEDTalks

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