My philosophy for a happy life | Sam Berns | TEDxMidAtlantic

Just before his passing on January 10, 2014, Sam Berns was a Junior at Foxboro High School in Foxboro, Massachusetts, where he achieved highest honors and was a percussion section leader in the high school marching band. He also achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America. Sam was diagnosed with Progeria, a rare, rapid aging disease, at the age of 2. He is featured in the Emmy award-winning documentary Life According to Sam, which premiered on HBO on October 21, 2013, 2 days before his 17th birthday.

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[thebatman]

The strongest people are those with the best attitudes in the worst situations.

RIP

[petrulutenco]

The maturity of this guy at 17 is impressive, rest in peace :(

[brandonj]

This kid is 17? Jesus. The level of maturity and wisdom he displays is unbelievable. What an inspiration.

[-Deniz]

1. Focus on the things you're good at, not on the things you cannot do
2. Surround yourself with the people in your life that you love and want to be around
3. Keep moving forward
4. Never miss a party

Thank you so much for your input Sam. You will never be forgotten!

[zacharycremen]

Can we talk about how good of a public speaker he was, especially at only 17? I know many adults who not be able to go in front of a crowd and speak with this much confidence.

[harrydrake]

*"It's better to have a short life that is full of what you like doing, than a long life spent in a miserable way."*

RIP

[floki]

"Its not the years in your life, it's the life in your years"



Heard this quote from the band parkway drive in case anyone was wondering

[cekoflipz]

We don't choose how we are born, but we choose what kind of people we become. What an amazing person!

[Dava__]

The saddest realization for me was probably that he was definitely smart enough to know that he doesn’t have much time left, yet he went up on that stage and told millions of people about his dreams, which he knew he wouldn’t have enough time to achieve

[shmuelkavian]

For a 17 year old, he is one of the greatest public speakers I have ever heard. Very inspirational!

[deepeshmoolchandani]

1. Focus on what you can do
2. Surround yourself with people who you like
3. Be forward looking

[oldcrow]

He was more well- adjusted than most of us, and so intelligent! RIP, Sam!

[thecomprehensionhub]

Do not be sad that he died, be glad that he was born, What a powerful philosophy that can change a negative perspective into a positive one

[checkmate]

This guy may have been weak physically, but he is stronger in spirit than anyone I’ve ever encountered.

[TineDeVulder]

Seeing this Ted Talk after his death made me realize that he had given this inspiring speech a month before he passed away because of his disease Progeria. Sam stayed positive even with the realization every day could be his last. He was a true fighter, a strong person and I believe we can be as strong as him! Being so strong starts with his philosophy, so let's be happy together for Sam. Do you wanna join me?

[harrybarker]

Finding out that he died a month after this speech is so depressing after hearing his dreams.

[blidfire]

He proved that this quote is right:
"If life gives you 100 reasons to cry,
Give it 1000 reasons to smile"
Huge respect for him..🙏🙏👏👏

[johnnytheyoungmaestro]

According to the video's description, it's already been just over 10 years since we lost him. It's remarkable that he never let his condition take him over, and he fought proudly. I think pretty much the same way he did, in that you should always give yourself something to look forward to, and just be brave. In his 17 years of life, he truly made an impact. A huge one, at that. Rest easy, Sam. ❤️

[MyEmmaLover]

I realized that how long you live doesn’t really matter. He lived his best life. I have to make the most of it too

[ArillenWonderlnd]

Sam passed away not even a month after this was posted 😢. The fact that there are still new comments, likes, and views on this video daily, almost a decade after it was posted, shows just how meaningful and impactful he was to so many in his short time alive. What an amazing kid.