The best talks spark flashes of realization and cascades of insight. Here are my favorite talks, speeches, and spoken words of all time.

  1. Steve Jobs’ Stanford Commencement Address — In my opinion, the best speech and life advice of all time.

  2. John Frusciante Interview on Creativity & Inspiration — Few things have changed my worldview more than this interview. I’ve listened to it half a dozen times through, taken notes, and wrote an article about it.

  3. Awakening from the Meaning Crisis (Lecture Series) — A lifetime of philosophy, spiritual practice, and cognitive science distilled into fifty one hour lectures to address our current cultural meaning crisis. The best bird’s eye view of human thought I have ever encountered.

  4. Alex Grey: How Art Evolves Consciousness — A profound case for the importance and function of art in society. Alex’s Net of Being painting might peak your interest.

  5. Sam Harris on the Meaning of Life — What matters? I’ve listened to this probably a dozen times to guide and reorient my answer.

  6. Simon Sinek: How Great Leaders Inspire Action — Why do people love Apple products? How do we actually make decisions? Here’s a brilliant answer.

  7. Derek Sivers: Leadership Lessons from Dancing Guy — When you see a lone nut doing something beautiful, join em.

  8. Elizabeth Gilbert: Your Elusive Creative Genius — I cry every time I listen to this when the thing Elizabeth describes shines through her… Olé!

  9. Larry Harvey: How Burning Man Created Art with Social Purpose — I’m fascinated by ritual and experiments in collaborative community. Larry Harvey lays out the principles from which Burning Man grew.

  10. Worry is Preposterous - Terence McKenna — A one and a half minute antidote to anxiety. Worry is preposterous.

  11. Jonathan Harris IDFA Master Talk — This talk is a journey through the growth and perspectives of a deeply insightful artist. It planted the idea of “life art” in my head.

  12. Steve Jobs, “Computers are like a bicycle for our minds.” — The guiding question I ask of all technology I consider bringing into my life: “is it a bicycle for the mind?”