Mark Bezos: A life lesson from a volunteer firefighter

http://www.ted.com Volunteer firefighter Mark Bezos tells a story of an act of heroism that didn't go quite as expected -- but that taught him a big lesson: Don't wait to be a hero.

TEDTalks is a daily video podcast of the best talks and performances from the TED Conference, where the world's leading thinkers and doers give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes. Featured speakers have included Al Gore on climate change, Philippe Starck on design, Jill Bolte Taylor on observing her own stroke, Nicholas Negroponte on One Laptop per Child, Jane Goodall on chimpanzees, Bill Gates on malaria and mosquitoes, Pattie Maes on the "Sixth Sense" wearable tech, and "Lost" producer JJ Abrams on the allure of mystery. TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design, and TEDTalks cover these topics as well as science, business, development and the arts. Closed captions and translated subtitles in a variety of languages are now available on TED.com, at http://www.ted.com/translate.

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  People & Blogs

[jadelaney96no]

After 15 years of firefighting, I can no longer suit up and "rush inside" like I used to. But, what i have found is that often times what people need the most is someone to hug them and tell them it's going to be ok. These conversations have been the most rewarding thing for me as a volunteer.

[Bobby McFarlin]

This was great I to am a volly and loved this

[aj91477]

Great! Ali Jahanfard

[SmokeDiver9311]

"Not everyday offers us a chance to save a person's life, but everyday gives a opportunity to effect one." greetings from Sweden

[tuberesu]

It was a nice talk, pretty self deprecating in a humourous way and for that reason human. I didn't hear any claims to be super human or heroic. So, I wonder, where have all the viperous comments come from? We can't all be volunteer firefighters or other sort of hero, most of us can't even deliver an engaging or entertaining talk but we can all hope to develop a generosity of spirit towards those who do..

[osumoni]

You pay my wages? Who said I get paid? Way to lump all firefighters together.

I'm sure you'd tell each one of them to their face.  A coward's tool behind a keyboard and computer screen to talk about civil servants this way. I hope it makes you sleep better at night.

[MrMarijuanaKills]

I pay your wages asshole or at least taxes for this equipment,don't tell me i do not deserve it just because i think you are a bunch of self pitying drama queens .

[MrMarijuanaKills]

what asshole would like it,only firefighters would like this shit

[osumoni]

What ego? Be more elaborate in your future knowledgeable responses. I'm sure you meant to say pride in helping another human being.