Dean Kamen: The emotion behind invention

[crudhousefull]

What about the hundreds of thousands that lost their limbs in the Middles East? Screw the few thousand US soldiers

[crudhousefull]

They will be stopped militarily by an Asian/African coalition...but it'll take 2 decades for the economics to work. Hope Iran can hold its own till then

[crudhousefull]

Every arm that a US military man loses...there's a 100 that people lose one in the Middle East. The US is the most bloodthirsty unethical state in the world. It's a good thing every other state other than the US's cronies are uniting. There seems to be no way to stop US/NATO/UN will stop its bloodbath. The US can go and fuck itself

[ReX342]

The man without legs makes a good point. What happens if you're ambidextrous?

[user09315]

First of all, this world needs more people like Dean Kamen. Secondly, the U.S. Government should provide anyone who has lost a limb while enlisted with a prosthetic device such as this. Frankly, I think it would be cheaper and these people deserve it for defending our country!

[pangrac1]

wow

[pacoevangelista]

his speech brought me to tears. reality is really sad sometimes.

[ForYeensSake]

@noobenstein You are thinking in stereotypes and want to use it as an argument ? Are you kidding me ?

[ForYeensSake]

@noobenstein Not everyone thinks everyone lies. While you are right about the political situation and how fucked up the world is I don't believe that changes the matter. They fought for what they believed in. You have no evidence to support your claim of "violent,agressive,... people only".

[ForYeensSake]

@noobenstein First of all who are you talking about (old man ?). Second of all you are imposing your opinion onto others. Why they trusted him does not matter, you have no clue about their intentions either. Your general lack of psychological insight seems to prevent you from being empathic. I'll tell you this : Talk with those people, ask them why they did it and how they did it and once you've LISTENED to their story tell them without blinking that they don't deserve a new arm.

[ForYeensSake]

@noobenstein What you are basically saying is that people who were fighting for what they believed in *with all the good intentions* don't deserve to be helped. No matter how wrong their ideas were, there intentions were great so how can you say that ?

[omghai2u]

this man is very introverted, hes shy. you guys enjoy him because the rest of the world is full of extroverted selfish people who speak to take the attention instead enlighten the crowd

[trackahead]

Amazing!

[dweller333]

AMAZING...I love his concern and honesty. Its good to know some people are determined to accomplish great things.

[rainyandcloudy24]

This is an amazing achievement, and inspiring. Generations of civilians and vets will benefit from this advancement that didn't exist a few years ago. We need more people like this, more teams like this that can tackle really hard problems (including those that lead to despair and violence) and come up with solutions. I wish I had this intellect and skills to do these things. Great Talk, keep them coming. Thank you TED!

[roidroid]

Dean Kamen is a master marketer, and can manipulate people with skill.

Everytime he has a long dramatic pause and looks down in hushed tones, all that's going through my mind is "This guy is a pretty good actor".

I do not trust him.

[CultureJamtheNWO]

How is killing brown people in some desperate 3rd world country giving Americans "the right to whining and complaining"? So now it's not about WMD's, not about "Saddams a very bad man", not about "Osama bin what'shisnameagain"? Now it's about your right to complain? Hard to keep up with Americas excuses for war these days. I'm happy about these inventions, but WTF??...wouldn't it be better to just not send these guys half way around the world to get their arms blown off in the first place?

[WARDOG1138]

Who on the planet is giving these videos "thumbs down"?

[arlpainbringer]

@WARDOG1138

Goerge Bush and his son for sure

[wookster77]

wow

[joeggraefe]

["I'm the luckiest guy at the table. I lost my right arm, but I'm a leftie" and then he pushed himself away from the table.]

Possibly the most down to earth, monotone TEDTalk I've ever seen yet I was gripped, hooked. Dean Kamen's anecdotes and deep passion could inspire anyone to do anything. To try and make a difference, however small. @Blackmusca, he's a hero in my book too.

A great TEDtalk.

[Blackmusca]

Dean Kamen is doing a hell of a lot more to 'help' those who have given more of themselves for this country than any anti-war protester I have every known, regardless of what politician put us there. What have you done?

He's a hero in my book.

[Blackmusca]

I'm a veteran of over 13 years, been through two deployments and have seen some pretty messed up stuff. I've lost some very good friends in some of the most screwed up situations.

Bicker about your anti-war thoughts on this thread. To me as a soldier...I just lose that much more respect for people like you. cont...

[b5e5n1n9y86]

@Blackmusca Despite what you might like to believe, you soldiers have done absolutely nothing for America, wars are fought for profits, its no coincidence that you were deployed to the most oil rich region in the world. I have much more respect for the philosophy espoused by Muhammad Ali, than that of people like you who are willing to go and kill in a war they know nothing about. I feel most sorry for the people of the middle east, who have done nothing wrong but live on valuable land!

[elminz]

"Dean Kamen: New prosthetic arm for veterans" Déjà vu

[alexmusic2909]

is it just me or did he pee in his pants?

[OrangePoetry]

I first heard about this project on the Colbert show, and I was a bit put-off even uninterested by the presentation. However, after watching this program Im glad that I follow TED--I can see how passionate he is now.

Great Job, my respects, and keep at it--Your right, I thank the people who fight for our liberties more, and I respect you for helping them!

[samiminh]

great speech but some of his jokes are unneccessary

[bryce64j]

@samiminh

Its to keep people sharp. Common use in professional speeches.

It will open u up to the presentation as well, to laugh brings good emotion.

Light

[MrAngee]

God bless all the people that care and bring good changes around the world. Thank you TED for this and eye opener

[Millenium722]

I met this man in person at the FIRST Robotics Competition, it was such an honor.

[molnes]

"The people that are out there giving us that great privilege of whining and complaining. I know what they deserve; Everything humanly possible."

This quote is such utter bullshit. Enabling bullshit imperialist policies is not giving the people of America the luxury of complaining. I do agree the soldiers should get good treatment because it's not their fault. But they are not out there fighting for American safety. They are fighting wars that actually DECREASES the safety of American citizens.

[molnes]

@molnes I ran out of characters there, I do think this man is a genius, and he should continue his work, and this is a great video. But my point about the quote remains.

[RichardRoy2]

@molnes I'd almost agree with you, but it igores the thing that should be humanly possible; peace. Lots of people are going to assume he means money to devolope these prosthetics. But he did alude to the fact that these wont be better than the original equipment, so, I think he was trying to say something without saying it. Let's let them keep their original equipment first. Let's keep them out of harms way. Let's not be imperialistic. I'd like to think that, anyway.

[easytorememberme]

@molnes i think "such utter bullshit" is taking it too far, your getting hung up on the wrong part of the message and blowing it way out of proportion, way to take a good thing and spew shit all over it.

Still, That phrase is always applicable to soldiers, they don't choose the wars they go into, so why are you putting words in Dean's mouth? This was not even close to being a political talk, way to have a tardgasm

[molnes]

@easytorememberme I merely stated that I disagree with that quote. The talk was inspiring and his work is brilliant, but I don't like people referring to unnecessary war crimes as something that enables Americans to have the luxury of complaining, and it's actually a quite a big deal in my opinion.

[SparhawkGT]

God damn... This guy needs to have this aired on national television.

[ksks69]

Dean thanks for your vision!!

[Geotubest]

Best video I've seen on YouTube. Thanks Dean.

[santitos2001]

People helping people, no matter the circumstances. I don't like war, but I wouldn't like to have a missing arm. Some day this amazing piece of engineering will be available to all.

[pinochska]

dude speak faster for god's sake! on the other hand awesome info

[b3l13v3r]

Completely amazing! If that was a pitch... where do I sign up? It's not just genius people... it's MOTIVATION!

[nikanj]

Go engineering!

[dropinaduce]

i dont understand how someone can thumbs down this talk!!!

what is wrong with people...

[alcidesflores79]

another reazon to STOP WARS

or send the politicians and bankers that make them

[liquidminds]

@alcidesflores79: I agree... They should return to the basics.

When a president announces a War, he should jump in his battlesuit and be on the battlefield with his troops until the war has ended.

Wonder if bush would have survived 8 years in iraq or afghanistan...

[audiowiz]

What a sales pitch

[dropinaduce]

@audiowiz r u serious... u really think that is what he is doing here... i feel bad for you if you truly look at like and the world this way!!!

[eyhexs]

dont give this to your soldiers; they are just men trained to kill (they chose to go there and kill in exchange for money, no one drafted them);

give them to each and every civilian you maimed in this idiotic "war"; give them to the iraki and afghan children whose lives you destroyed; do that or GTFO with this emo speech;

what do your soldiers need these new arms for? to be able to pull a guns trigger again? i have little empathy for them; dont send them to an unjustified war in the first place

[ajivealive]

It looks like it took a lot for this man to speak, and I'm glad he did

[82816a1]

cool 5/5

[jasonlajoie]

But can it be set on automatic for a 'stranger'?

Seriously though, this guy is a great inventor.

[UCreateChange]

Great stuff!

[Qiyunima]

Great man with great soul

[UCreateChange]

Great stuff!

[bathetcnow]

spend the resources avoiding war...avoiding insanity.

[P00P0STER0US]

The highest priority expenditure should be veteran's healthcare. I'm not a supporter of war, but, to those whose health is degraded in service, whatever is possible should be made available. Whatever is impossible should be made a research project.

[nedfrichman]

boring!! watching all those 20mins felt sloooow.

[P00P0STER0US]

@nedfrichman Wow, obvious troll is obvious. Holy cow.

[azngurl321]

Although his speeches go on forever, he does speak his personal truth. How did he have time for FIRST and this project? If a man knows how to live his life according to happiness, it would be Dean Kamen.

go FIRST.

[sum1unxpected]

sometimes i wish there were more sexy women who are quadruple amputees.

[RationalPeace]

If God exists, may he/she bless Dean Kamen.

[bathetcnow]

@RationalPeace if god exists then eliminate war.

[RationalPeace]

@bathetcnow

If God exists, then eliminate the world.

[lordcyrus]

Dean Kamen is my hero, no question. I have nothing but praise for him. From the Segway to his robotic arms to FIRST, thanks.

[dzjad]

Truly Dean Kamen has been one of my hero for a long time. I wish they would have taken a closer look at my application.

[hughtub]

Great technology, but it's extremely cost prohibitive to ally with Israel which leads to more Arab enemies, and still let them in the country, which lets them attack us inside, prompting the govt to extract over a trillion dollars of our current and future income to pay for wars against them. These kids shouldn't even be over there getting arms blown off. The inner city at night is more of a threat to normal law-abiding people than anyone these guys are fighting half way around the world.

[joelito101]

That is Awesome!!! Probably at the cost of a tomahawk missile too...

[Joshbuckler]

when he said "raisin" at first I heard "razor" and I was like "HE EATS THE RAZOR?!"

but seriously, awesome project.

[ratholin]

damned that guy is awesome!

[321lawc]

The world isn't about flowers and rainbows!?

[Prestonboy13]

I honestly thought he was gonna burst into tears every 5 seconds

[HiLasse]

Beautiful

[boqallaf]

war is hell

[sebnagletaylor]

sounds like a cracking bloke, last few of these talks have been pretty good

[b5e5n1n9y86]

What a disgrace war is, really makes you feel sorry for those soldiers, worse still are the civilians in Iraq and Afghanistan, noones making prosthetics for them. What a complete and utter waste of time the whole thing is!

[sileb13]

@b5e5n1n9y86 I agree, war is a disgrace, and in perfect world it wouldn't exist. However since we don't live in a perfect world and war will probably be around until the end of humanity this man's work is not a waste of time, it is just the opposite. This technology can give the victims of war, which soldiers are indeed, a gift that can help them live a life without the need for constant assistance. And just because you can't help everyone doesn't mean you shouldn't help anyone.

[bryce64j]

@b5e5n1n9y86

do something about it then! u can blatter all u want but it wont make a change.

at least join: thevenusproject

and if u really wanna make a change..

Start to investigate for yourself.

Light

[b5e5n1n9y86]

@bryce64j Hey Bryce, Im aware of Jacque Frescos ideas and hold him in very high esteem, however, I do not honestly believe its within human nature to live in a society like the venus project, as pessimistic as it sounds I feel if history has taught us anything its that the shit always seems to rise to the top! The fact that there are wars and oppressive regimes just reminds us that as sophisticated as we might think we are, its still survival of the fittest. Im insulted by your use of "blatter".

[bryce64j]

@b5e5n1n9y86 You will never honestly believe anything unless it occurs.

Don't feel insulted by the word blatter, wasnt my intention! have u checked all of the zeitgeist's as well? there is a lot of nice material. just keep spreading, u would help mayor. Light

[b5e5n1n9y86]

@bryce64j Yep, seen them both, I found the first one particularly powerful, I try to watch alot of documentaries, you should check out the website sprword go to the must watch section. John Pilger makes excellent films, "The war on democracy" is brilliant. I recently downloaded "The new American century", haven't watched it yet but I've heard good things!

[bryce64j]

@b5e5n1n9y86 So u havent seen the third one.. its on googlevid, zeitgeist orientation presentation. Thank u for sharing ur info! It will be very valuable for me :)

[b5e5n1n9y86]

@bryce64j No Bryce, haven't seen it, infact I didn't know it existed, I'll be sure to check it out though, thanks!

[fjwjr]

@b5e5n1n9y86 Are you kidding me? Your comment tells me that you just spent 19:33 with your fingers in your ears because you didn't hear a thing this man said after he started talking about war and soldiers. This guy made this as nonpolitical as possible, but that wasn't good enough for you and you missed the whole message. One that I'd be glad to explain to you, but if I have to, that means you'll NEVER understand it.

[b5e5n1n9y86]

@fjwjr My comment criticizes War, I think you misunderstood it, when I said "What a complete waste of time the whole thing is" I was referring to the Wars in the middle east, not Dean. However, if you can't see that Deans speech does much to highlight the trajedy of war then theres no point explaining it to you!

[fjwjr]

@b5e5n1n9y86 You just can't not politicize it, can you? The way this man was moved and inspired by the spirit of people who he thought would feel helpless and hopeless is totally lost on you.

OK, so you can handle it, just pretend he's talking about firefighters or policemen. (whoops, there's the word "fight" in there and police use guns so that doesn't work)

How about if they are fishermen from the Deadliest Catch show? Would that help you?

[b5e5n1n9y86]

@fjwjr If you are asking me if I would have brought up the war if they were fishermen or postmen then the answers no, why would I. There is no real tragedy associated with posting letters or catching fish anyway. I agree with your comment though, I cannot not politicize anything thats about soldiers lifes or limbs being lost. Are you too stupid to see that the thing which so deeply moved Dean was the same thing that motivated my comment? Your last reply simply makes no sense, police? firemen?WTF

[fjwjr]

@b5e5n1n9y86 wow, you're a lost soul

[b5e5n1n9y86]

@fjwjr Man, nothing you've said makes any sense. Im gonna quote you in the hopes that you might put your own ignorance under the microscope "just pretend he's talking about firefighters or policemen. (whoops, there's the word "fight" in there and police use guns so that doesn't work)". If you want to continue this discourse could you please adress this, "I agree with your comment though, I cannot not politicize anything thats about soldiers lifes or limbs being lost." and explain your issue!

[fjwjr]

@b5e5n1n9y86 No point in trying to talk to someone who's stuck in permanent war protest mode. I tried to give you some options so you could see what this man was really talking about, but you couldn't do it. Shame.

[b5e5n1n9y86]

@fjwjr "Permanent war protest mode", lmao, again I agree with you completely, that is the perfect word to describe my demeanor with regards to almost all war. I could have responded to the video like this: "What an excellent speech, Dean is such a compassionate man, you can really tell he cares!" and while I agree with the sentiment, the main thing I felt after watching it was regret for all the injured soldiers! I've tried to be clear but again I feel your comment makes no sense, "options"?WTF?

[martinskruze]

This was one of best TED talks EVER.

I do not care that guy is not talking as fast as usual TEDders, I do not care if there was not some fancy presentation. This was so shining, so pure and so moving. The story behind this is so powerful. This s TED at it's best - inspiriting and thought stimulating.

Spectacular, shocking and moving.

Thank you! Paldies!

[kght222]

This guy was on Colbert last night. I'd love to see him mention this talk some time this week on his program. This talk give much more detail on the plight that Kamen was drawn into.

[kinsmed]

Really great selection of talks lately.

[sugarkang]

kicks the crap outta the segway.

[HiAdrian]

Great talk, can't agree with the viewers who found it boring. It might be at a slower pace than usual, but full of meaningful content.

[shadling34]

I understand the complaints about him as a speaker but this is some amazing stuff.

[moyga]

I love how genuine this guy is. You can say he was a bad speaker because you expect sensationalism but I was entranced by his honesty and concern. I wish more people would speak like him, not with fancy power points and an entertainers stage presence, but from the heart with real meaning.

[vasniltere]

@moyga indeed. It seems rare these days to come across that kind of honesty in care and emotion these days.

[firefox112233445566]

that is very immprisive

[GronTheMighty]

Of course replacing soldiers' lost arms would be nice... but it would be nicer if they didn't go and lose them in the first place to make rich bastards richer...

[Shalek]

Can't wait to see that luke arm he mentioned in the end.

[rabbitwho]

Oh my god this is so amazing. If they can do this then how far away can spines be? Probably still quite far, but it's possible, it's possible that no one in the future will be paralyzed, no one in the future will be in a wheelchair, this is amazing.

[yousefamar]

@rabbitwho Google Ray Kurzweil and check out his predictions.

[tantzer]

Hopefully eventually some of these arms will make their way to the victims of the soldiers who are now receiving these arms.

[winxniw]

why does he always dress like a construction worker?

[lavixl]

@winxniw

Because he's a mans man.

[tenisplayer]

just make a arm.... when it be there Chinese will copy the technology and someone else make it better, cheaper and in time people will chop their own arm to have robotics one, with weapons integrated ect. ect.

[guilleman9]

Excellent! Share!

[Shaunt1]

This guys is doing good work but the answer to whether or not we should be at war-now constant war is absolutely not. We're usually at war because of special interests and the military industrial complex.

[Leobons]

Hate his arrogant low energy

[niginit]

Gee, isn't technology awesome, it literally does miracles. BUT, call me crazy, how miraculous would it be to stop kids from getting their arms blown off in the first place? Use the same inventive energy to stop wars from happening and you will do something far greater than give an amputee a new bionic arm.

People like Dean get misty about helping soldiers with prosthetics, they're such troopers, yeah we get it, but how much money are you making from their perpetual suffering?

[niginit]

And don't get me wrong, helping people is completely justified in and of itself.

BUT, the simple fact of the matter is, he NEEDS amputees to stay in business. He needs war to mutilate people so he can retrofit humans with prosthetics. How about inventing something that will make a young kid turn down the military, instead of biting the bait of TOTALLY AWESOME RECRUITMENT ADVERTISEMENTS! YOU SKATEBOARD? WELL WHY NOT DO IT WITH A GUN KILLING PEOPLE!!! YEAH!!! HERE'S SOME GODSMACK!!

[VGHierophant]

@niginit

You do know that amputees will exist regardless of war? Accidents in civilian life happen all the time.

Saying he needs them is no more to the point than saying firefighters need fires to fight. He seems like he passionate guy and if he wasn't doing this, he would probably be engineering something else that someone needs.

[MegaYippie]

@niginit

So, there is a better way to handle war - do not engage in them - but how does that help the people who are suffering from the effect of war today? How can a doctor in America stop a war in Iraq?

What he says is that he do not know whether or not the war is justified - he withholds judgement. I find that quite admirable, though I can not do that with you. Please stop acting like a baby just because you are online...

Excellent video! Excellent story! Excellent person! Excellent!

[trentharlem]

Kamen doesn't "need" anything... He was a millionaire inventor Before DARPA approached him.

[GetMeThere1]

@niginit: **...but how much money are you making from their perpetual suffering?**

You need to realize that what you've said is ONLY a construct of your own mind--of your own cynicism, that is. If is FULLY as true and accurate to say "but how much money is he making helping to relieve their suffering?"

Isn't doing good for others worth making a living? If it isn't, what is?

[showABCshow]

This guys smile reminds me of Richard Feynman

[Katalyzt]

Indeed ★★★★★

[donnerbrandpear]

Ugh I can't stand listening to this guy. He has the personality of a rock.

[arevels]

@donnerbrandpear

If you even listened to him. You'd understand he's rather emotional by what's done. He's changing lives and making a difference. I don't see you doing the same.

[donnerbrandpear]

@arevels Yeah I can't listen to him. I might fall asleep and I have to work at my job not making a difference in the world. Being emotional doesn't make you a good speaker.

[arevels]

@donnerbrandpear

I didn't think he was a good speaker, but he spoke with emotion in his voice.

[ViennaPrincess23]

this guy is great. this is the future!

[Wormtail81]

And yet we demonize entrepreneurship and successful business people categorically.

[BaileysBeads]

@Wormtail81 that's because they happen to invent financial constructions to deprive the entire public of billions.

[Wormtail81]

@BaileysBeads That is a truly simplistic analysis. If it describes anyone, those people are the Congressional members who intervened in the housing market it to make it more 'accessible' and the Federal Reserve Officials who cut the Federal Finds Rate too low after the 2001 Recession and raised it far too late. The people you are referring to are a mixed bag, but certainly not purely criminal.

[BaileysBeads]

@Wormtail81 I'll accept it's simplistic, but I find it's best to fight simplistic statements with simplistic statements.

[Wormtail81]

@BaileysBeads I humbly submit that mine is nevertheless accurate.

[frane9r9r]

yayya

[Deathstar1020]

I just saw him on the colbert report. Coo.