Changing Perspective Off the Planet: Jerry Linenger at TEDxUNC

Dr. Jerry Linenger gave one of the most inspiring talks of the day, receiving a standing ovation at the end of his talk, "Changing Perspective Off the Planet." As one of America's great astronauts, Dr. Linenger was awarded NASA's highest honor, the Distinguished Service Medal, for over 110 trips around the moon. He told the story of perspective in working with two Russian astronauts, and the aspect of failure in his near-death experience in the shuttle's fire. "If you're having a bad day, remind yourself you're blessed to have life. You should be smiling everyday."

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)