TED Talks Daily

Why we need to know our lives matter | Jennifer Wallace

105 snips
Sep 10, 2025
In this engaging talk, journalist and author Jennifer Wallace explores the critical need for recognition and connection in our lives. She shares poignant stories from various professions, emphasizing how simple acts of acknowledgment can enhance our sense of purpose. Wallace highlights the struggles of feeling insignificant, especially in the context of job loss due to AI. She underscores the transformative power of community and relationships, suggesting that fostering these connections can combat loneliness and enhance our sense of value in an ever-evolving world.
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ANECDOTE

Rescue Without Closure

  • Firefighter Greg rescued a woman from a car wreck but never learned her outcome, which eroded meaning over time.
  • As chief he tracked rescue outcomes to give firefighters closure and restore a sense of impact.
INSIGHT

Mattering Is Essential To Thriving

  • Jennifer Wallace's interviews revealed many people answer 'no' when asked if they feel they matter.
  • Feeling valued and having chances to add value are essential to thriving.
ADVICE

Connect Tasks To Real Outcomes

  • Show workers how their tasks fit into a meaningful outcome by connecting pieces to end users.
  • Identify a need and then apply your strengths to meet it to create mattering.
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