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RSA Shorts

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Animations

David Brooks on Character in the Selfie Age

New York Times columnist David Brooks argues that meaning and moral value are losing out in a world of ‘me me me’. A witty and powerful look at how we can improve ourselves in the ways that really matter.
23 Nov 2016
Illustration of a white figure floating in a black space surrounded by a computer monitor, mouse, and smartphone. Wires connect the devices, adding movement to the scene, suggesting a digital landscape exploration.
Animations

David Graeber on the Value of Work

In this short animation David Graeber investigates the philosophical underpinnings of employment, and calls for a reformulation of what work should be.
11 Oct 2016
Illustration of people walking inside a large, intricate machine with gears and pipes against a red background. The machine has various mechanical components like levers and dials. The figures are small and silhouetted in black.
Animations

What is Universal Basic Income?

Everyone’s talking about a ‘citizen’s income’ or ‘basic income’, but what on earth is it? Watch this short explainer video for a quick rundown of the basics.
15 Sep 2016
Illustration depicting Universal Basic Income concepts. It contrasts insecurity in life and work with the stability of basic income. Includes global map, automation, expiry dates, and graphs highlighting societal changes. Caption: "Are you ready to join the movement?.
Animations

Cedric Villani on the 7 Ingredients of Creativity

What does it take to come up with a new idea? Award-winning mathematician Cédric Villani reveals the seven key ingredients that come together to create breakthrough moments in human knowledge and innovation.
16 Feb 2016
Colorful text reading "BIRTH OF AN IDEA!" is surrounded by vibrant, overlapping brushstrokes in various colors, radiating outward to create an energetic and creative atmosphere.
Animations

RSA Short: George the Poet on Climate Change

What will it take to make us act on climate change? BRIT-nominated wordsmith ‘George the Poet’ issues a compelling call to action in this powerful new poem. Words brought to life via the stunning imagery of illustrator Katie Halil (AKA @WhatKatieDrew)
29 Sep 2015
Artistic illustration of a heart with legs walking across colorful splashes on a textured background. Two plants grow from green splashes left behind. Sparse handwriting decorates the top, adding an abstract element.
Animations

Brené Brown on Blame

You are probably a bit of a blamer – most of us are. But why should we give it up? Inspirational thinker Brené Brown considers why we blame others, how it sabotages our relationships, and why we desperately need to move beyond this toxic behaviour.
3 Feb 2015
Illustration of four people sitting in a circle under a "Blamers Anonymous" sign. They appear to be in a support group setting with empty chairs around them. A woman with short blonde hair is standing and speaking to the group.
Animations

John Lloyd on Knowledge

What should we teach our children, and what important information should all adults have at their disposal? Legendary QI producer John Lloyd turns his curiosity to knowledge itself, and questions whether intelligence is really all it’s cracked up to be.
18 Nov 2014
A collage-style illustration of a person's head, with the top open. Inside, colorful geometric shapes and clouds emerge, with "BOOM!" in yellow text above. The background is a blue grid pattern.
Animations

Matthew Taylor on The Power to Create

The 21st century presents us with huge challenges. How can we empower people to be active participants in creating a world we want to live in? Matthew Taylor, chief executive of the RSA, offers a vision for the future – a world where every individual has the freedom and opportunity to develop their unique capabilities to the full.
24 Sep 2014
Illustration of three abstract human figures standing on a podium with laurel branches on either side. A long document is displayed in front, and smaller figures with orange gear symbols on chests stand below. Blue background.
Animations

Jody Williams on Activism

What if you really could change the world? Jody Williams, Nobel Peace Prize winner, firmly believes that each and every one of us can and should contribute to creating a better world. In this empowering RSA Short Jody explains why it is so important to strive to make a difference.
27 May 2014
An animated character with red spiky hair, wearing a yellow shirt with a peace symbol, blue shorts, and goggles, stands in a forest setting with green trees and foliage. The character has a lightning bolt on the forehead.
Animations

Dan Pink on Persuasion

Bestselling author Dan Pink shows us how to influence others more effectively; it’s as simple as A-B-C. Whether we’re employees pitching to our bosses, parents and teachers cajoling kids, or politicians presenting new policies, we can all improve the way we persuade others.
28 Apr 2014
A cartoon depicts a man posting a sign on a wall that reads "Death of a Salesman" by Arthur Miller. The man comments, "Like it or not...we're all in sales now!" A small car and a surprised person are in the background.