Image source:  Nic Marks at the TEDS

“Student says ‘I am very discouraged. What should I do?’ Master says, "Encourage others." (Unknown)

The man who makes everything that leads to happiness depends upon himself, and not upon other men, has adopted the very best plan for living happily. This is the man of moderation, the man of manly character and of wisdom.” (Plato)

The speaker I selected is statistician, Nic Marks.  He is the founder of the Centre for Well-Being at the UK.  The topic of his speech is the Happy Planet Index.  His website bio describes him in this way:

Nic is a recognized [Source Spelling] expert in the field of well-being research and undertakes innovative research in the use of well-being indicators in public policy environments. Amongst other things, Nic founded nef's award-winning Centre for Well-being and has led the well-being programme at nef since 2001 (Marks 2010). [Writer’s note: All spellings contained within this quote are contained within the cited webpage]

He holds degrees in Mathematics and Management Studies from Cambridge University, a Master’s degree in Operational Research from Lancaster University and a postgraduate diploma in Change Agent Skills and Strategies from the Human Potential Research Group at the University of Surrey (Marks).  He is a psychotherapist and an organizational [Website spelling] change consultant.  Nic is also a  “member of the International Society for Quality of Life Studies – ISQOLS.”  His company, NEF, “won the ISQOLS ‘Betterment of the Human Condition” award in recognition of our work on the Happy Planet Index.”

Marks’ mantra or mission statement might be described this way:

I hope that our work at nef can inspire a whole a generation of thinkers and doers, in addressing the very real challenges we face to create a Great Transition to a World We All Want where Good Lives don’t Cost the Earth. (Marks)

Mr. Marks’ presentation inspired me because it articulates my desire to enable my clients to have a financially successful future combined with a sense of joy and social commitment to others.  His passion for his choice of career is obvious.  He dresses casually that appeals to me.  He projects an authenticity and, more importantly, a lack of pretentiousness. His graphic presentations are easily understandable.  He speaks plainly and asks profound questions that resonate with his audience.  In comparison to the longer presentations on TED his was a mere 16 minutes.

Marks could have chosen a traditional career path.  The demand and dollar value for statisticians is high.  During my undergraduate work at Stony Brook University I shared dorm space with an assortment of engineers and mathematicians who grew successful careers in the more traditional business world.  Their careers have flourished.  They remain in high demand. I cannot recall one of them taking on the considerable challenge of measuring and realizing world happiness. I cannot help but wonder whether they view their many accomplishments as missing an intangible something.  This is not a subjective judgment on these fine minds.  It is merely a source of contemplation to me as I navigate my career.

I find Mr. Marks presentation to be entirely consistent with Chris Anderson’s vision (spreading ides) for TED.  Mr. Marks is innovative, creative, and clearly eloquent in his chosen field.  His sense of social responsibility is undeniable.  He brings a fresh approach to his subject that is consistent with the innovation that TED brings to its audience.  The inter-disciplinary approach of TED is of great value and, in my opinion, should be used in the public schools across this nation. 

I have long looked for an individual who expresses my personal and professional vision in a concise, instructive, and entertaining way.  Mr. Marks’ words contain the value of hard science with the metaphysical question of happiness that has a long history in philosophy.  I was so impressed with this presentation that I emailed him thanking him for his presentation and offering him my assistance in any small fashion possible. 

Marks’ words have caused me to reflect on Ms. Elizabeth Taylor’s profound career in the arts and her great contributions to the cause of AIDS.  I admire her because she left a legacy that transcends mere entertainment value.  I recall seeing her attend a benefit concert in New York where she sang  Saturday Night’s Alright For Fighting with Elton John.  Singing is not one of her talents to be sure.  But she pulled it off with grace and humor that defined her personal and professional life.  She will be remembered for her great talent, her salty sense of humor and—speaking for myself—that bizarre moment of song and diamond that I was privileged to witness.

I would consider it a great accomplishment if my clients would grasp the significance of this.  I believe that Mr. Marks creates a space and time for my own vision.

Reference:

Marks, Nic.  The Happy Planet Index [On-line Video].  Retrieved April 11, 2011, from TED Online Web Site:  http://www.ted.com/talks/nic_marks_the_happy_planet_index.html

Plato.  QuotesAndPoems.  Retrieved April 11, 2011, from Quotesandpoems.com Website:  http://www.quotesandpoem.com/quotes/listquotes/author/plato on April 11, 2011.

Unknown.  Squidoo.com. Zen Quotes.  Retrieved April 11, 2011, from Squidoo.com Website: http://www.squidoo.com/zen-quotes.