Solutionaries

In Zoe Weil's TEDx Talk, Solutionaries, she tackles the question of how to live a good life in the face of mounting concerns over the sustainability and social/human impact of our products, goods, and food.

Without a doubt, we all love our iPhones, computers, cars, tablets, etc. But many of us don't want to think about the impact those objects have on the world: from concerns over labor law and e-waste to pollution and animal safety. Many of us are, as Zoe says, "Allowing [our] desires to eclipse [our] values."

But in her talk, Zoe offers us something different, she ask us all to be Solutionaries. Marc Bekoff of Psychology Today had this to say about Zoe's talk.

"The psychological underpinnings of Zoe’s talk make what could be just another lofty "save the world" presentation into something each of us can use, grapple with, and be inspired by. She articulates the psychological issues we face in responding to global challenges and then unpacks them and invites us to be part of what is clearly a joyful solution. If we're going to make positive differences in the world we need to be enthusiastic and optimistic because there's a lot of hard work to be done and it's pretty easy to become discouraged and to give up."

In the end, I think Zoe best summed up her position in a quote from Gandhi. When asked by a reporter what his message was, Gandhi repled, "My life is my message." That is just want Zoe is asking us to do. Our message, our position and values in life, must be reflected in how we live our life. So take a step toward embodying your message today. Become a Solutionary.