Top 5 Most Inspirational Videos on YouTube
Editor’s note: I will be away from my computer for a little bit, so I’m posting this quickie, but I hope you enjoy it! I know it will probably be criticized for a lack of depth, but please forgive me as I take a break for a day. I’ll try to do something more in-depth tomorrow!
Sometimes we all can use a little inspiration. I thought I’d share some of my favorite inspirational videos with you, hoping that it’ll help pick you up today.
Play these as needed. Warning: you might be inspired to greatness, so use with caution.
1. Randy Pausch’s Last Lecture: Achieving Your Childhood Dreams
Watched by over 6 million viewers, this video of a Carnegie Mellon professor who is dying of pancreatic cancer contains more inspiration and wisdom than almost anything else you can watch online. Watch it!
2. A Father’s Amazing Love
Unless you’re a cold-hearted bastard (and none of you who read this blog are, I know), you will get teary-eyed watching this video. You can’t help it. There is no more powerful demonstration of a father’s love than this.
3. Steve Jobs’s Stanford Commencement Speech
I admit, I’m a Steve Jobs fanboy — the guy invented the Mac, the iPod, and Pixar for goodness sake! He’s also a minimalist, like me, and in this speech he shows the power of pursuing your dreams, something I fervently believe in. And Steve, if by any chance you happen to read this blog, drop me a line! (I know, not much of a chance, but I had to give it a shot.) Correction: Steve didn’t invent Pixar, as one reader pointed out. He probably didn’t invent the iPod either, but he did lead both to prominence.
4. Will Smith - Running & Reading (The Key to Life)
Will Smith is right on in this speech. As an avid runner and reader myself, I’ve noticed these same phenomena have changed my life, and I recommend both to anyone I talk to.
5. Free Hugs Campaign
I’m a big fan of the Free Hugs campaign. Such a simple yet profound and revolutionary idea — offer free hugs to strangers and change their lives in small ways. I love it.
Have a favorite inspirational video? Share in the comments!
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- Posted on 12 August 2008 in Goals, Motivation |
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Comments (135)
faraox Says:
August 12th, 2008, 10:39 am
DreamWorks, is not Pixar?
Leo Says:
August 12th, 2008, 10:42 am
@faraox: Oops! My mistake. I’m off to correct that. :)
hyoo82 Says:
August 12th, 2008, 10:43 am
I like to visit Zen habits as part of my daily reads, while scrolling through the post, I noticed that I have watched all of those videos at different times in my life!! Watching them again in one spot is pretty weird, I can recall my state of mind when I watched those videos individually, I’ve been watching Steve jobs and the late Randy Pausch every time I get stuck in a funk that I want to get out of, I love the concept “Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish”
Leo Says:
August 12th, 2008, 10:44 am
@hyoo82: That’s pretty cool — I do the same thing. I come back to many of these videos to get inspiration, which is why I decided to share these today.
Writer Dad Says:
August 12th, 2008, 10:45 am
The last lecture gives me chills when I see it. My father showed it to me a few months back. I’ve watched it six or seven times since.
Scott McIntyre Says:
August 12th, 2008, 10:51 am
I love these videos, Leo.
The Randy Pausch lecture is phenomenal- both uplifting and sad at the same time.
Have you ever seen the “Christian the Lion” video.
It’s about a lion (obviously) and his bond with two humans. It is remarkably touching and inspirational nevertheless.
I hope you enjoy it:
Leo Says:
August 12th, 2008, 10:52 am
Thanks for sharing, Scott! The videos above are just my favorites — I’m hoping you’ll all share yours as well, so thank you!
David R. Says:
August 12th, 2008, 10:54 am
Wow - you are just sitting there deleting my comment the second I make it. You are the lamest person I have ever met…was it really that bad? I can do this all day…can you?
You have now deleted my comment five times. Again, really lame.
Once again, I said I really liked this post - that is when I read it for the first time on lyved.com.
You need to put more thought into this blog if you want people to stick around.
Chris Says:
August 12th, 2008, 11:00 am
This is an amazing post Leo. The Will Smith video is a forgotten favorite of mine, and the Steve Jobs speech is something everyone should see!!
Great choices.
Aaron Gaul Says:
August 12th, 2008, 11:00 am
These videos take us to our Heart. That is what I find most compelling. We spend so much time in our head looking for the next solution; we rarely take the time to settle at our Heart Center. We need to remember to move at a slower pace and appreciate the world more deeply.
LivSimpl Says:
August 12th, 2008, 11:03 am
Great list Leo. Have you heard of TED Talks? Leaders in the fields of technology, entertainment and design (among others) are asked to give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes. Wonderful stuff!
My two favorites (so far) are Sir Ken Robinson and David Eggers (you can search for their talks at http://www.TED.com).
Keep up the good work Leo!
Stephen Smith Says:
August 12th, 2008, 11:04 am
David R. (Witty Name) - your comments are going straight to the spam filter, I do not know why. Sorry about that.
Roger Braxton Says:
August 12th, 2008, 11:07 am
I saw a few comments from David R., and then they were quickly removed.
Leo Says:
August 12th, 2008, 11:09 am
@Roger: His comments have been marked as spam.
Pete Says:
August 12th, 2008, 11:10 am
Wow, I’ve posted three out of five of these videos on my own blog. Great selections Leo.
nashira Says:
August 12th, 2008, 11:17 am
sorry to say that randy pausch died the 25th of july
Glen Allsopp Says:
August 12th, 2008, 11:26 am
I thought you would have included my favourite, maybe others can still enjoy it though
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEqdr_Awdak&eurl=http://www.pluginid.com/caring-what-people-think/
Jerry K Says:
August 12th, 2008, 11:29 am
Tony Robbins (and Al Gore) at the TED conference, “An Amazing Hug”, “Music is Love” (Glen Hansard, from the movie “Once”) are in my blog at http://www.caringmatters.blogspot.com
Jerry K Says:
August 12th, 2008, 11:33 am
A great one:
Rick Smolan, at TED http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/rick_smolan_tells_the_story_of_a_girl.html
Anbusivam Says:
August 12th, 2008, 11:35 am
Hey Leo…its a great list. Though I’ve seen all these videos sometime earlier…the one that always inspires me is Steve Jobs. He is simply superb. Thanks for the list.
deepali Says:
August 12th, 2008, 11:43 am
I second the TED lectures. Amazing. My favorites are… oh, I can’t pick one. I liked Chris Abani’s…. Ed Burtynsky’s…
Jonathan Mead Says:
August 12th, 2008, 11:43 am
The free hugs video is one of my favorites. So simple yet so profound.
James Says:
August 12th, 2008, 11:45 am
Awesome collection Leo, thanks for introducing some, and reminding me of other messages that are so meaningful and timeless.
Tiny semantic note:
While Steve CEO’d Pixar to prominence, he didn’t invent it. He actually bought what became Pixar from George Lucas in the mid 80’s.
: j
Leo Says:
August 12th, 2008, 11:50 am
@James: Thanks for the correction! I really should do my research before writing this stuff. :)
Dawid R. Says:
August 12th, 2008, 11:57 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfq_A8nXMsQ
This is my first comment on your blog but I read it reagulary :) I felt like sharing this video cos’ I always show this to ones I care. The message from this video is as simple as the words the man is saying. I always watch it with tears of joy in my eyes. Its realy moving.
Take care … and drop a line what do you think of it.
Craig Eliason Says:
August 12th, 2008, 12:13 pm
http://en.zappinternet.com/video/nilSqaMboM/HISTORIA-DE-UN-LETRERO
Award-winning Mexican short film.
Robyn Says:
August 12th, 2008, 12:17 pm
Great post. I love the TED talks. My ambition is to one day be invited to attend and be able to afford it. One of my favourites is the Jill Bolte Taylor’s Stroke of Insight talk: http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/jill_bolte_taylor_s_powerful_stroke_of_insight.html
The idea of offering hugs to strangers is nice - glad they offer instead of just grabbing one as so many people do these days. For reasons rooted in my family history, I have a problem with people I don’t know touching me and find uninvited hugs uncomfortable.
sir jorge Says:
August 12th, 2008, 12:21 pm
free hugs? inspiring?
NO!
I did that same thing, and got NO hugs.
I came to the conclusion that Santa Monica, California hates ugly people. So much so that if you offer free hugs, you get no hugs and a lot of disgusted looks.
I tried that again in College, to make a point.
How many hugs?
0
That video doesn’t inspire, it just annoys.
Jay Says:
August 12th, 2008, 12:23 pm
Video #1 hits even harder for me due to his recent passing. It’s sad, but at the same time an uplifting inspiration to know how passionate he was about life, work, and family.
Searching for the meaning Says:
August 12th, 2008, 12:26 pm
Randy died July 25th of complications from pancreatic cancer. The CMU news story is here
http://www.cmu.edu/homepage/beyond/2008/summer/an-enduring-legacy.shtml
Tara Says:
August 12th, 2008, 12:28 pm
These are great, Leo. And you know what else? You’re allowed to have a day where you don’t write the world’s most expansive post! It’s okay. You have six kids, a book (or two), another blog and it’s summer!
Of course, I’m still trying to catch up on reading some of your other posts. I’m so overwhelmed…and resistant to the behavior changes that will alleviate the problem.
Anyway, my personal stuff aside, you do a great job with your posts. I’m sure I’m not the only reader who’s happy to cut you slack for needing a lighter day! I hope you have a great one.
Cheers,
Tara
Tim D Says:
August 12th, 2008, 12:43 pm
Jim Valvano’s speech for Espn and the Espy’s…. Fantastic!
Michael Says:
August 12th, 2008, 12:46 pm
Where The Hell Is Matt? is my personal favorite. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNF_P281Uu4. Make sure you view it in high quality.
banji - LessonInLife Says:
August 12th, 2008, 13:13 pm
The free hug campaign remind me of a hugging campaign we did (way back when I was a student). We wore a sign that says “We are HIV positive, care for a hug?”
Sadly, there are still a lot of people still clueless about HIV, they are still afraid that they might get affected just by hugging.
Just sharing the story.. for the record, none of us are hiv positive :)
Frogsinatree Says:
August 12th, 2008, 13:26 pm
Hi Leo!
Thank you very much for this fabulous post. I have seen many of these video’s myself and absolutely love going back to them again and again.
Similar to the Randy Pausch and Steve Jobs’ video’s, J.K. Rowling made a wonderful speech at the Harvard Commencement this past year (I think it was). Personally, I have only ever been able to find the video in 3 parts on Youtube, however the entire text can be found at: http://harvardmagazine.com/go/jkrowling.html with the entire video embedded in the page.
Just another one of my favourite to share with your readers. Have a fantastic day and thank you again for sharing your favourites.
~ Frogsinatree
Seeji Says:
August 12th, 2008, 13:36 pm
Hi Leo,
Thats a wonderful list you have managed.
I came across an interactive session of “Last Lecture” which helps you jump to any segment (divided into 61 segments) also the inter phase is very good.
http://www.amervideosolutions.com/vid_mgmt/file.php/15/r2tv/player.html
Randy Says:
August 12th, 2008, 14:17 pm
It’s surprising how much insight Will Smith can offer. Didn’t think he had it in him.
My one addition would be the animation created by Matt Stone and Trey Parker of South Park to a speech given by Alan Watts entitled “Music and Life.”
LindseyB Says:
August 12th, 2008, 14:24 pm
This was socially bookmarked yesterday, thought it would be good to show at high school during the first few days.
Though not a video, still inspirational
http://www.miniature-earth.com/me_english.htm
John Says:
August 12th, 2008, 14:38 pm
I’m not sure if this has been posted yet, but this is one inspiring and beautiful testimony to a father’s love for his son, despite a seeming handicap. John Mark Stallings passed away on August 3, 2008. Coach Stallings is a man to be admired!
Torley Says:
August 12th, 2008, 15:06 pm
Joyous inspiration! This one’s definitely a gem — the joy of virtual worlds like Second Life to empower those who are differently-abled:
Jon Aston Says:
August 12th, 2008, 15:08 pm
Love your blog
Check out “Falling Awake” by Jon Kabat-Zinn
http://www.43folders.com/2008/03/17/falling-awake
Sherry Says:
August 12th, 2008, 15:13 pm
Here’s another Paul Potts, Lump of Coal about to go up like a rocket. Talk about going up like a rocket! Has sold more than 1 million records since this appearance!
Mayank Keshari Says:
August 12th, 2008, 15:14 pm
Wow, i saw almost all videos posted here and all were great , made my day. learned lots of stuffs :) thanks thanks a tonne.
J. Thatcher Says:
August 12th, 2008, 15:56 pm
When ever I am feeling down or overwhelmed I really like this short video with Steve Burns.
Michelle Says:
August 12th, 2008, 15:58 pm
I came in here to add Where The Hell is Matt’s dancing video, but I see Michael beat me to it. Very inspiring, very uplifting.
Here’s his most recent one:
http://wherethehellismatt.com/?fbid=Bt_oLd
Tom Stine | Life Coach for Spiritual People Says:
August 12th, 2008, 15:59 pm
Maybe not quite “inspirational” but I love Puppetji on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/user/puppetji69?ob=1
He is funny, irreverent, and very much right on spiritually. Great fun!
Seb Says:
August 12th, 2008, 16:21 pm
I am yet to see what you guys posted, so forgive me if its already here.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=sb2YOg_dkQM
One of the very best Ive seen recently.
Great music, great video, great message…
Jeff@MySuperChargedLife Says:
August 12th, 2008, 17:08 pm
You can’t beat the Last Lecture. I read Randy’s book that covers about the same ground as the video. It was a good read. I recommend it.
Tony Says:
August 12th, 2008, 17:50 pm
Great post Leo! Here is a youtube video that I think is very inspiring as well.
“It’s about an autistic boy named Jason who is very devoted to his high school basketball team by helping players in practice sessions and distributing water. Because of Jason’s dedication and enthusiasm, the basketball coach allowed him to suit up for a game so he can ‘feel what it’s like to wear a jersey’, but to everyone’s surprise, the coach actually let Jason play. What happened next was truly remarkable….”
http://www.sparkvictory.com/2008/05/inspiring-video-autistic-basketball-player-achieves-greatness/
Anni Says:
August 12th, 2008, 18:08 pm
Everyone deserves a break, and what better gift to leave in your absence than inspiration. Thank you, Leo.
Her Ticking Clock Says:
August 12th, 2008, 18:16 pm
I love these inspiration videos. I’ve only seen steve jobs and the hugs video before. I love inspiratioin speeches, I actually put in effort and spend time trying to get inspired by audio/video anywhere on the web.
I look for ways to get inspired because I know that the environment makes me who I am. I know that I am conditional, so when I am feeling sluggish, an inspirational piece is all it takes. Puff Daddy’s videos keeps me pumped.
So thanks Leo for these wonderful additions. Cheers!
Ivan Says:
August 12th, 2008, 18:33 pm
A very great and inspirational movie: Coach Carter
http://nl.youtube.com/watch?v=jwRzMb0sw7Q
These words are brilliant!
g masta squirrel Says:
August 12th, 2008, 19:20 pm
How ironic! I had posted something similar to this subject, but with movies. I had just watched “Last Lecture” for the first time last night, it was the greatest lecture I have ever watched, the next being conan obriens graduation speech. This is the first time I have seen the Steve Jobs speech, very well done. Even though at times, I want to slap him. (Steve if you are reading this, you know what you did!)
I loved to be inspired in hopes to do the same to someone else. To give them the drive to go on and follow your dreams. Your site is one of my sources for inspiration…keep it up!
Jose de Leon Says:
August 12th, 2008, 19:49 pm
Author Alan Moore (Watchmen, V For Vendetta, Miracleman, Voice Of The Fire, Swamp Thing, From Hell) gives advice to young artists:
Aimee Says:
August 12th, 2008, 20:17 pm
Jeepers Leo, video #2….what can I say? You certainly know how to make a girl tear up, and by tear up I mean sob like a baby. Thanks chick x
Alice Says:
August 12th, 2008, 20:28 pm
i have seen the father and son participate in the ironman triathalon on tv, and they are truely inspiring by letting us know that anything is possible.
the free hugs video almost made me cry, because i gave one of my best friends a hug goodbye today, knowing that i might not see her again until christmas time, because of college.
Debbie Says:
August 12th, 2008, 20:37 pm
Great videos. Finally watched the Randy P. vid. terrific! I like Where in the hell is Matt? Always lifts my spirits.
Kim Says:
August 12th, 2008, 21:29 pm
Nice list Leo :)
I’m a big fan of inspiring videos, and have been putting together a collection on one of my websites.
Two other videos that I really like are:
Touching Them All:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PhvXyoGVFw
It’s an amazing video about the power of good sportsmanship.
And whilst on the sporting theme, ‘Facing The Giants’ is also a good little film:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSM1mvMypWU
Myrko Says:
August 12th, 2008, 21:54 pm
I like to add my all time favorite: Think Different: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdNZYOnTE1o
The part of “… because the change things” showing Maria Callas and Ghandi are highly inspiring in my point of view.
Also extremely inspiring if you love basketball: Michael Jordan to the max: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUVUKeFMxUI (and the following)
forsooth Says:
August 12th, 2008, 22:47 pm
I found this to bring goosebumps:
Joe Black Says:
August 12th, 2008, 22:53 pm
This is one of my favorites…
JC Says:
August 12th, 2008, 23:20 pm
Your blog is Heavenly.
I have made honorable mention of your content in my latest entry located at:
http://jesusmailbag.com/2008/08/12/you-dont-need-salvation-or-mercy/
Bless You,
JC
Kristofor Lawson Says:
August 12th, 2008, 23:21 pm
I love this list!
Thanks for sharing Leo. I has never seen the Will Smith video before, that was great insight and thought that was given.
I posted a list of my favourites on my blog after seeing this list. We really should get the inspirational videos out to as many people as possible. There is way too much bad news in the world. It should be a more positive place!
Miguel Garcia-Guzman Says:
August 13th, 2008, 1:20 am
This is the best video ever …
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlfKdbWwruY
You will share the joy of being human.
Take care
Miguel
Johan Norrman Says:
August 13th, 2008, 2:12 am
I find the MadV videos facinating check this one out for example http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0FvG9GO8Qs
Jill Says:
August 13th, 2008, 3:38 am
I took a picture of a guy in Seattle with the Free Hugs sign and never knew what the whole thing was about until I just watched this clip :-)
[IMG]http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg162/justjill24/freehugs.jpg[/IMG]
Markus Says:
August 13th, 2008, 3:53 am
you’re missing two imo.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9Z8gW8NBks
a short clip about taking chances in everyday life.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEzz0zY0j50
another one from the same director.
i found these as very inspirational. i could watch them almost everyday and they would make me somehow happy.
hamdanm Says:
August 13th, 2008, 4:59 am
how about this one?
Paul Potts singing Nessun Dorma
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1k08yxu57NA
it gives me goseebumps, even I’ve watched it many times.
and it has been viewed by more than 31 millions, with 5 stars ratings from 68,095 users.
"Motivate Thyself" Says:
August 13th, 2008, 6:31 am
Those are all GREAT videos! I appreciate you sharing them with us. You gave the warning about tears in video #2. I always laugh at those kinds of warnings (you know, the whole, “I’m a guy, I don’t cry” kind of thing). I must admit, though, I did tear up when they crossed the finish line and the son looked so happy and the father so pleased of that fact.
I write about motivation everyday in my blog and the pursuit of our dreams and aspirations is always at the forefront of the topics. Thanks for giving me some inspiration and reminder of why this was the subject I chose when I started my blog.
Alex Says:
August 13th, 2008, 6:36 am
I started watching the Randy Pausch video thinking I would just watch a little portion of the hour long video but ended up watching the entire thing. Very profound and touching. Another moving video similar to the free hugs campaign is called “Where the Hell is Matt?” and can be found here: http://www.vimeo.com/1211060
John Says:
August 13th, 2008, 7:19 am
This article lost all credibility once I got up to the ‘invented Pixar’ part. Really shows your head is up your ass when it comes to anything about Apple and would kill yourself with them if they were to organize some kind of cult offering of themselves.
Tom Says:
August 13th, 2008, 7:59 am
These are five great videos, thanks Leo! The only one I’ve seen before is the last lecture. I love the Steve Jobs one aswell =D
Jim McDish Says:
August 13th, 2008, 8:10 am
Dude, the free hugs campaign totally rocked. Wow, you picked some awesome videos.
Mauro Says:
August 13th, 2008, 8:26 am
Les Kaye lecture at Google Talk.
Les worked over 30 years at IBM and now is a Zen Monk.
Very inspiring
Fausttt Says:
August 13th, 2008, 8:38 am
i agree with almost all of these. While steve jobs can be a good speaker, he is a notorious jerk.
http://money.cnn.com/2008/03/02/news/companies/elkind_jobs.fortune/index.htm?postversion=2008030510
i never understand why apple lovers bow at the “altar of Jobs” while Gates, who is an amazing humanitarian and consistantly number 1 on the list of charitable donors, gets a ton of hate because of windows.
Jobs has fired people in fits of rage, brought employees to tears, parks in handicap spaces, goes into tissy fits over the color of vans, is smug, pretentious, and belittling of his competition even if it is unfounded. yes this is truly who we are to be inspired by. I have no question some of those traits can make for a very successful life. . but an inspiring one? never.
Varun Prabhakar Says:
August 13th, 2008, 9:43 am
Thanks Leo, these are awesome!
I had seen all but the Will Smith one and they really are 5 of the very best.
I also like “Wear Sunscreen - Advice to class of 99″ by Baz Luhrmann
Sonny Gill Says:
August 13th, 2008, 10:14 am
Those videos are just simply amazing. Seen a few of them, others I haven’t - all are inspirational in their own right.
Am Says:
August 13th, 2008, 10:40 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qTiYA1WiY8&feature=related
This is a great one!
JCW Says:
August 13th, 2008, 11:08 am
I can’t get excited over your choice of “A Father’s Amazing Love” video. I read Cormac McCarthy’s “The Road” this weekend on a flight from the states to Singapore. I’m a father and McCarthy’s story made me cry for 2 days straight. I watched the “A Father’s Amazing Love” video from a Singapore hotel room and all it made me wonder is what’s the point of lugging the waterhead across all those finish lines?
Jonathan B. Says:
August 13th, 2008, 11:09 am
I just watched the Randy Pausch video a few days ago. It was great!
SpaceAgeSage Says:
August 13th, 2008, 11:20 am
Two of these I had yet to see, so thanks for putting them together, Leo. These are just so life-affirming and touch the heart in amazing ways.
"Motivate Thyself" Says:
August 13th, 2008, 11:34 am
The thing we always have to ask ourselves when witnessing inspirational content is, “Is it a contrast or a complement to our lives?” If it’s a contrast than we need to take a look at our situation and see what we need to change to bring it more inline with what moves us. If we are not living our lives inline with those things that make our heart’s soar, than we are barely living at all.
Dheeraj Says:
August 13th, 2008, 11:36 am
Awesome, inspiring, moving. Loved each one of them. Seen only 2 of them before. But each one of them is a masterpiece. I keep checking you articles once in a while, but I have to regular.
God bless you
DK
Ces Says:
August 13th, 2008, 12:22 pm
I second Tim D’s comment up there. Jimmy Valvano’s Espy speech is my personal favorite:
Elaine Says:
August 13th, 2008, 13:08 pm
Leo-
I’ve been reading for about a year, but this is my first comment to your site. Bravo! I come back, day in and day out, because I feel that you are a kindred soul and I thoroughly enjoy your site. Watching these videos moved me to tears…I was on the phone within minutes telling people, “you gotta go check out zenhabits, it will change your life!”
A good well done. The world is better place because of you. May you continue to be blessed….
Elaine
Ash Menon Says:
August 13th, 2008, 13:22 pm
well apart from the fact that free hugs = death by pepper spray here in malaysia, i like these videos. haven’t watched them yet, but i like them already :)
keep up the good work, leo! this site means so much to me, it’s part of my morning coffee jumpstart.
Paul Kotta Says:
August 13th, 2008, 13:55 pm
Great site! I just found it through Digg.
The Randy Pausch talk was so inspirational, it was hard to believe he actually died. I thought he’d live forever after that talk!
Nivas Says:
August 13th, 2008, 13:57 pm
Great Videos,
jus came across this video about human beliefs,,
What is more powerful the human beliefs? It is the Ultimate Power that shapes our destiny…This Video is really,really,really wonderful..No words to describe it….Check it for yourself.
check it out at:
http://video.stumbleupon.com/?p=oqf7gl8s4d
(i came across in stumble upon,but it is a youtube video)
and also another video talking about the power of one person’s decion.
can one person make all the difference? While most of people says it is not possible, Check this superb,amazing extraordinarily though provoking video which says “One single move can change the whole world”watch it for yourself
http://video.stumbleupon.com/?p=oc9ilx46gq
(it’s also a youtube video)
Nivas K
Anonymous Coward Says:
August 13th, 2008, 14:04 pm
Tony Fadell created the iPod
Matt Says:
August 13th, 2008, 15:10 pm
You could add :
http://www.fubiz.net/blog/index.php?2008/08/13/2088-magic-flashlights
Nesto Says:
August 13th, 2008, 15:23 pm
Thanks - awesome videos. Try this one instead of #2 though: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDnrLv6z-mM.
That soundtrack doesn’t do the story of Dick and Rick Hoyt justice - they’re quite a team.
Joe Says:
August 13th, 2008, 15:37 pm
You are hereby criticized for lack of depth.
Łukasz Adamczak Says:
August 13th, 2008, 16:26 pm
One of my all time favourites: Discovery Channel’s “I Love the World”:
Ovidia Says:
August 13th, 2008, 16:27 pm
Here’s the story:
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/espn25/story?page=moments/94
and here’s the video. I dedicated this to my dad on Father’s Day. You can see his concern for and love for his son in every line of this man, especially as he barrels past the security people to get to Derek. His son is in agony, but he doesn’t pull him off the track — he is going to support his son so he can finish the race. And when Derek turns to his father and just has to cry, in physical and emotional anguish, his father comforts him … and holds strong for him. I love this video.
Tabs Says:
August 13th, 2008, 16:54 pm
Thanks for creating a “weep fest” for me today, I started out thinking, okay I will not watch last lecture cause I will only start crying, since he passed in July, so next logical step watch the “amazing dad” video, it took me a minute to figure out what was happening then I cried for ten minutes after watching that. Then I thought free hugs there is no way I could cry through that I was wrong, cried when no one hugged the man, cried when people started hugging the man, cried when people started hugging other people, cried when the police stopped the free hugs, cried at 80 signatures and at 10,000 signatures…
Forgive me if I decide to come back tomorrow to watch the rest of the videos.
Thank you so much, I am so inspired I can’t contain myself, well it is either that or one too many cups of coffee. Cheers,
-Tabs
quench Says:
August 13th, 2008, 17:23 pm
Lots of good stuff here, in the post and in the comments.
I think an interesting topic to address some day would be about the notion of competition, and its relation to a flourishing life. A few of the videos were not inspiring for me (for example, I agreed with JCW’s comment above), but I think that’s because I don’t really understand competitive events. I’m not all that athletic, and I can’t approach my own work in any sort of competitive spirit. Even to “compete with myself”. (Because so many blogs imply this is a good way of getting motivated, I’ve tried to do this! But it just doesn’t work for me.)
So, could you say something more about how you see the relationship between competitiveness and being motivated? Where do we get that extra charge of motivation, if not from the idea of “doing better”?
Sherry Says:
August 13th, 2008, 17:34 pm
Quench,
I would have to say that some of these videos touch on motivation that is not due to competition but due instead to love of what you are doing. I too am not much of a competitor, I will try to compete with myself but honestly if I am doing something I love then you will receive my best and there is no better I could possibly do.
Steve Martile Says:
August 13th, 2008, 17:58 pm
Great clips. My personal favorite is,
The Strangest Secret in the World by Earl Nightingale
http://www.freedomeducation.ca/2008/06/18/the-strangest-secret-in-the-world/
Steve Martile
Personal Development Made Simple
http://www.freedomeducation.ca
"Motivate Thyself" Says:
August 13th, 2008, 17:59 pm
quench,
you stated, “Where do we get that extra charge of motivation, if not from the idea of “doing better”?”
Doing better is only the result of doing your best. If you know you are putting forth all the focus and energy you can muster, than you should be able to feed off of that alone. Of course we get a boost off of positive results but staying consistently motivated can’t rely on those results. No one is perfect and we will all make mistakes. Bursts of enthusiasm may come from winning big but steady motivation, which is far more valuable, is fed by the knowledge that you’re leaving nothing on the table.
quench Says:
August 13th, 2008, 18:37 pm
Sherry,
I agree, and I loved most all of the videos here. Especially the video with the guy dancing all over the world (from Where the hell is Matt?) In general, the stuff about pure joy works for me. (I actually wish I could be motivated by competition.) Thanks for sharing your attitude:
“but honestly if I am doing something I love then you will receive my best and there is no better I could possibly do.”
- this is something I wish I could apply to myself more often!
quench Says:
August 13th, 2008, 18:42 pm
@ Motivate Thyself,
Ah, I see you’ve put the answer I was looking for so well! I’ll just do my best, and not worry if it’s ‘better’. Thanks.
(But again, back to the crossing-the-finish-line videos above, I just can’t get excited about the point of that. Obviously, the people there are just trying to do their best, too, and not to beat anyone else…. so I don’t know what I was wondering about, after all…)
Juanita Says:
August 13th, 2008, 18:53 pm
Randy Pausch died a couple of weeks ago.
Someone sent me his commencement speech at Carnegie end of July. He really did inspire me after watching that video.
Harriet Cabelly Says:
August 13th, 2008, 20:13 pm
http://www.thedashmovie.com is a beautiful video based on the Linda Ellis poem - “The Dash”. You will love it!!
Love your site!!!! I listed it in my web site as a favorite.
Agustin Oñate Says:
August 13th, 2008, 21:26 pm
Sorry no translation for the video …
ony Meléndez (born 1962) is a Nicaraguan American guitar player, composer and singer and songwriter who was born without arms. His mother took Thalidomide while pregnant, which caused his disability. Meléndez has learned to play the guitar with his feet.[1]
Bamboo Forest Says:
August 13th, 2008, 23:53 pm
“The key to life is running and reading.”
That’s a wonderful video. Thanks.
Heather Says:
August 14th, 2008, 0:25 am
When I click on the videos they all say “We’re sorry, this video is no longer available”
YouTube hates me… I get that about 80% of the time. Anyone know WHY?!
Yvonne M. Says:
August 14th, 2008, 1:53 am
I would like to add an inspirational presentation video from neuroscientist Jill Bolte Taylor that had a stroke. The video is appropriately named Jill Bolte Taylor’s powerful stroke of insight.
http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/jill_bolte_taylor_s_powerful_stroke_of_insight.html
Hope everyone enjoys it.
Funny how I was just searching for inspirational videos a couple weeks ago and you did this post. Si Yu’us Ma’ase!
Vincent Says:
August 14th, 2008, 9:19 am
Hi all,
It’s always amazing how a “simple” clip can express so much and make people change a little through trough emotions.
Il like very much the motivational speech by Al Pacino in the following clip:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WO4tIrjBDkk
Kind regards,
Vincent
David Says:
August 14th, 2008, 15:09 pm
About the second video, I must be a cold-hearted bastard because that did not bring me any emotions. Tho, respect for the father for doing all that, I’d off myself in his situation.
Igor Kolar Says:
August 15th, 2008, 5:33 am
Personally I like http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gmP4nk0EOE
Just about made me cry when I saw it…which may sound completely idiotic to most, after seeing the video =) but at some level, it belongs to one of the things that actually make me slightly optimistic about the future, and feel as if people just MIGHT come together to do something good and grow up…