Give yourself permission to be creative | Ethan Hawke | TED

Reflecting on moments that shaped his life, actor Ethan Hawke examines how courageous expression promotes healing and connection with one another -- and invites you to discover your own unabashed creativity. "There is no path till you walk it," he says.

[dollarsaurus]

He’s like that super cool hippieish English professor everyone wishes they had

[FullFatVideos]

Ethan Hawke always manages to talk about big life-affirming concepts without ever sounding pretentious or overbearing. He's down to earth, funny and thoughtful. This is the perfect ten minute video to get you back on the creative wagon.

[evanflynn]

I'm a taxi driver. Most of my conversations with passengers are just small talk. When I pick up people from the airport, I'll often get asked about local restaurants or things to do in town. But I also get conversations started by asking about what they watched on any of the streaming services. From there, we start a conversation about the things we enjoy watching, and while this seems like a boring conversation, it's not. People talk about the movie that made them cry, or the show they had to binge watch because they couldn't stop watching, it hooked them in so thoroughly. You can see how animated they are, and the conversation continues while they pay, rushing their words to try and fit their point in before they have to get out.

Just like poetry or any other art form, movies and TV shows can capture your attention, imagination, and feelings. And yet, talking about them can be considered just a half step up from talking about the weather. I have regular customers who ask for me to be the driver sent out to pick them up, just so we can have a conversation about the latest episode of their favourite show while on the way to their destination.

The trip to their destination is what they needed to get about their day. The conversation was what they needed to enjoy their day. When I get a customer I can provide both to, it makes my day.

[tdogskitchen]

“To express yourself, first you have to know yourself.” A powerful truth.

[tccandler]

Is it just me, or has Ethan Hawke become one of the most fascinating people in the world of art over the past couple of decades. He is thoughtful, articulate, different and inspirational. Love this!

[gp]

"Art is not luxury, its sustenance."

[stc]

“There is no path… until you walk it” so powerful. ❤️

[secretscarlet]

I heard someone say “your success depends on how much uncomfortable conversations you’re willing to have”. Pretty much on the same vein as he was saying.

[Fightosaurus]

Now this is the kind of content that old TED was all about. Extraordinary ideas.

[catherinehumphries]

I was so happy he included his brother, a leader, a military man, as someone who was creative. As much as I love the arts, I have struggled to find value as a not creative or artistic person. I don't dance, act or sing. I don't draw or paint. My "creativity" has always been in organization, administration, leadership, creating a bridge of understanding between higher ups those who are less knowledgeable. I love to write...business letters. That is my poetry. I think knowing and accepting who you are is the most creative gift anyone has to offer the world.

[Airvin]

“That’s the point, play the fool.” Wow! So much meaning!!

[theolebrave]

Easily the most powerful ted talk i've ever seen. I dont remember the last time i felt a piece inside of me click back into place like this. Thank you Ethan

[singhrajat]

"The world is an unreliable critic".
Do what you want to do, not what they want you to do. 😌

[ninadgandhi]

"The world is an extremely unreliable critic!" GOLD, absolute gold!

[ethansant]

8:01
"There's no path until you walk it."
That quote smacked me in my face.

[Dooms_Day_King]

I once saw an interview with Tarantino, he was trying to do everything in his film, until someone told him, “you’re job is to direct! Let everyone else worry about their job”
I then met someone who was writing a book, I told him I want to write a book too, but get caught up in the whole process, he says, “your job is to write, let the editor worry about editing, let the publisher worry about publishing” and it opened my mind.

I believe a bunch of ppl will see this video and say “wtf is he talking about!??” But that’s the point, Ethan is being a “fool” in this video.

My dad once told me, “the road you’re heading down, I’m already walking back”

[nori_tutor]

that part "don't read the book that you should read, read what you wanna read"...this was for me

[cybersanga.]

This was deeper and more engaging than I thought it would be. Pleasantly surprised.

[bromotionsinc]

Man, I believe in every word Ethan said. I spent the first part of my life being ashamed and embarrassed to express myself. Not anymore. I am transformed into my own personal fool and I love it! I’m making music, creating art, making BBQ for others, writing screenplays and all of it gives fulfillment.

[KatJo]

"Creativity is vital… it's the way we heal each other." Well said, Ethan! This is so beautiful and true:) I hope everyone steps into their creative freedom. I know I am.