William Knoll 22/01/14

TED Talk Listening Task

Talk Reviewed: Jonathan


1) Jonathan utilized several techniques to create a talk for the audience. Firstly
and most notably, Jonathans video contained professional-level video
editing. The backdrop of his presentation was a picture of a mass of energy
being contained within human hands (relevant to the talks theme of energy.
Furthermore, he utilized theatre-style acting and eccentrics to gain the
attention of the audience. Jonathan also made significant use of metaphors
and similes to support the philosophical/metaphysical nature of his talk.

2) The most overt messages I noticed in the presentation are as follows. The
unbreakable bond of energy links all humans. Secondly, that energy is the
same energy that arose in the big bang and is similarly the energy
responsible for the activity of the entire universe. There was a multitude of
implied messages present. In general, every comparison and description
provided had implied meaning. For example, when descriptions such as the
universe is getting infinitely bigger just as we are getting infinitely smaller
are utilized, he is intending to make a comment on the human condition (we
are not literally getting infinitely smaller).


3) I personally did not find the talk effective. Although the theatrics and video
editing were excellent, I didnt exactly grasp the message provided. I found
the highly emotional descriptions of energy and the big band a bit over-the-
top and not that clear in meaning. I dont think the talk achieved its intended
purpose as the message Jonathan was trying to present was simply too messy
and ambiguous. Although I am aware he was most likely trying to be thought
provoking, his ideas were simply too unclear to be thought about.

4) The audience seemed generally enthusiastic (i.e. clapped properly and didnt
talk during the video).


5) I believe if this talk were presented to a group of scientists, it would get
ridiculed for the exaggerated explanation of basic scientific concepts.
Furthermore, I believe scientists would not take his descriptions of physical
phenomena seriously (e.g. atoms in humans are getting infinitely smaller)
given the nature of the talk and his age/credentials. However, I believe if
shown to a group of philosophers they would be impressed with Jonathans
attempt to formulate insight on the interconnectedness of humans, energy
and the universe.
William Knoll 22/01/14
6) Jonathan is biased in the sense that he is speaking as though it is a known fact
that the energy within humans is passed on to others upon death, when in
reality there are an infinite number of places that the energy could go.
Essentially, the perspective of his talk is strange; as he is attempting to use
science to suit a spiritual concept- such concepts dont really coalesce well.
Although the talk was quite interesting, I dont think it had enough
sustenance to actually raise questions about beliefs, values, identity and
power.