
TED Talks Daily How symbols and brands shape our humanity | Debbie Millman
Feb 14, 2020
Debbie Millman, a renowned designer, author, and educator, delves into the profound impact of branding on humanity. She traces the evolution of symbols from prehistoric times to modern corporate logos, revealing how these images unite communities and influence consumer behavior. Millman discusses the shift towards people-centric branding, inspired by social movements like the Women's March. Through engaging personal stories and historical insights, she highlights how branding reflects our identities and shapes cultural narratives.
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The Great Leap Forward
- Humans' modern abilities like abstract thought and art emerged after the "Great Leap Forward".
- This cognitive shift led to the creation of sophisticated markings on cave walls, like those in Lascaux.
Early Self-Decoration
- Early self-decoration wasn't for seduction, but for religious convictions.
- People sought to appear more beautiful in the eyes of a higher power.
Shared Cultural Characteristics
- Early affiliations shared similar characteristics, even across geographically distant cultures.
- This includes shared rituals, practices, and behaviors.

